Issues for apprenticeship training in Australia

This article considers some of the major issues and alternatives facing apprenticeship training in Australia. Taking apprenticeships as vocational training for specific trade occupations, issues including the distribution of costs and benefits, apprentice wages, the role of government, the impact of financial subsidies, and other factors affecting apprentice recruitment are discussed. Viewed in the context of the wider, entry-level vocational education and training system, fundamental differences exist between the Australian apprenticeship system and the models of the German-speaking countries, in which apprenticeships offer more general VET and structured pathways to higher learning.

Global trends in the nature of work and VET policy suggest the Australian apprenticeship system needs to move away from occupationally specific training towards a more general model of 'alternance' and an increase in status. Without these developments, any reduction in apprentice wages may lead to further deterioration in apprenticeship training in this country.

This article considers some of the major issues and alternatives facing apprenticeship training in Australia. Taking apprenticeships as vocational training for specific trade occupations, issues including the distribution of costs and benefits, apprentice wages, the role of government, the impact of financial subsidies, and other factors affecting apprentice recruitment are discussed. Viewed in the context of the wider, entry-level vocational education and training system, fundamental differences exist between the Australian apprenticeship system and the models of the German-speaking ...  [+] Show more