ECA survey results: survey of apprenticeship, skills and training needs for electrical contractors in South East Queensland

The purpose of this research report is to understand the apprenticeship, skills and training needs of electrical contractors in South East Queensland (SEQ). The research also incorporates a review of current employer practices in the selection, recruitment and management of apprentices. In the last 6 to 12 months, the majority of businesses have experienced an operational decline due to the slowing economy. As a result, a number of businesses have cancelled apprenticeships as well as terminating tradespersons. Compounding the issue of current worker attrition is the issue of an expected future reduction in the replacement of completing apprentices in the next 12 to 18 months. At present, it is estimated that 0.3 FTE [full time equivalent] apprentices per business will be lost due to completing apprentices (1.2 FTE per business) not being sufficiently replaced by commencing apprentices (0.9 FTE per business). With an estimated 7,000 electrical contractors in Queensland, this equates to an indicative 2,100 FTE fewer apprentice commencements in the next 12 to 18 months. The results indicate a need to support businesses in alternative staff retention strategies as well as current action to ensure the future availability of skilled tradespersons.

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