THE AUSTRALIAN APPRENTICES PROGRAMME

Our best information on the attitudes of Australians to traditional trades, many of which are in industries experiencing skills shortages, comes from Australian Apprentices themselves.

We know some people think that trades may be dirty, dangerous and difficult.  But in reality, Australians who take up trades enjoy strong prospects of lucrative, long term, challenging and independent careers.

In 2005, the Australian Government hosted Roundtable discussion between Australian Apprentices and the former Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP and the Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP.

This formal event gave political and policy decision makers the opportunity to hear directly from those participating in the training system and provided an ideal opportunity for Australian Apprentices to inform the Government about what attracts and keeps them in Australian Apprenticeships in skill needs areas.

Membership of the Roundtable

The Roundtable consisted of 18 current and recently completed Australian Apprentices from industries or occupations where skills needs have been identified, particularly in the traditional trades.  Participants were drawn from each State and Territory, from metropolitan, regional and rural areas and from Indigenous and culturally diverse backgrounds. 

Process

Roundtable members explored five focus areas including:

• duration of Australian Apprenticeships
• financial and other assistance for people to start a Australian Apprenticeship and for employers to take on Australian Apprentices;
• improving the quality of off-the-job training from Registered Training Organisations;
• promotion and marketing of Australian Apprenticeships; and
• information about Australian Apprenticeships for career advisers.

The Australian Government's response to each group's recommendations are provided in this report.

2005 New Apprentices Roundtable Summary Paper and Response