Doing an apprenticeship: what young people think

A recent study of 1700 secondary school students and 850 current apprentices in South Australia identifies the key factors which encourage young people to pursue an apprenticeship. Information from students and apprentices indicates that the key drivers of apprenticeship uptake are intrinsic interest and academic ability. School students with higher academic ability are less interested in apprenticeships. In contrast, those who are part way through their apprenticeship are very positive about the experience, especially the enjoyment of learning new skills and future prospects for career...  [+] Show more

A recent study of 1700 secondary school students and 850 current apprentices in South Australia identifies the key factors which encourage young people to pursue an apprenticeship. Information from students and apprentices indicates that the key drivers of apprenticeship uptake are intrinsic interest and academic ability. School students with higher academic ability are less interested in apprenticeships. In contrast, those who are part way through their apprenticeship are very positive about the experience, especially the enjoyment of learning new skills and future prospects for career progression and pay. The author also discusses the impact of socioeconomic factors, and influence of parents, friends and teachers on decisions to take up an apprenticeship.

Abstract only.

Available papers from the 11th Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA) Conference are indexed from TD/TNC 92.459 to TD/TNC 92.499 and from TD/TNC 92.701 to TD/TNC 92.716.