Researchers give pre-apprenticeships training the nod
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Photo by The Coach Space
New research has highlighted the important role pre-apprenticeship training can play in supporting student success as they begin trade careers, with completion rates for construction apprenticeships remaining concerningly low.
Geordan Murray, Executive Director – Future Workforce, said fewer than 20,000 of the estimated 34,000 apprentices commencing construction trade apprenticeships this year are expected to complete their qualifications.
“Of the estimated 34,000 apprentices who will commence a construction trade apprenticeship this year, we expect fewer than 20,000 will make it through to complete their qualification. This must improve,” Mr Murray said.
Research released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research shows aspiring tradies who completed pre-apprenticeship programs had a significantly higher likelihood of completing trade apprenticeships.
However, only a small proportion of apprentices participate in pre-apprenticeship training, with access to this type of training limited.
“Pre-apprenticeship, try-a-trade, and job readiness programs play an important role in enabling people to explore career pathways, solidify career aspirations and make more informed decisions about their training needs,” Mr Murray said.
High-quality pre-apprenticeship training provides value for students who gain foundational skills while deepening their understanding of industry jobs before committing to apprenticeships.
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Employers also value this foundational training when recruiting apprentices.
The residential building industry is already short more than 83,000 tradies, with training the next generation identified as the only plausible way to overcome this shortage.
“While we need to ensure that careers in the building industry appeal to more workers, we must also ensure that the training pathways into trade careers are setting new entrants up for success,” Mr Murray said.
“Improving access to high quality pre-apprenticeship training will ensure that apprentices are job ready and starting out on the path to successfully complete their trade qualifications.”
Mr Murray called on policymakers to take heed of the research findings and ensure the VET sector and industry are equipped and incentivised to deliver foundational training.
“Policymakers must take heed of these research findings and ensure that the VET sector and industry are equipped and incentivised to deliver this type of foundational training,” he said.