Unlocking the potential of Australian apprenticeships

This paper argues that despite being the most common form of employment-based training (EBT), Australian apprenticeships are not living up to their promise. Repeated funding increases and initiatives have failed to address declining participation and completion rates in Australian apprenticeship programs. They have also failed to widen and diversify the cohorts of learners engaged in apprenticeships. As Australia emerges from the [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19 pandemic, with its impact on young people and the changes it has enforced on the world of work, an opportunity presents itself to address the weaknesses of the current system to improve its efficacy, suitability and reach.

In this paper, the first of a new series, 'Skills and training for young people', the authors explore the weaknesses of the current system and propose a new approach, based on international evidence, that can make a difference to opportunities for young Australians.

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