Apprenticeships system is due for reform

Apprenticeships system is due for umgestaltung Apprenticeships system is due for reformPosted October 13, 2011, by Josie Chun A new report on Australias apprenticeship system has found that more than half of those who start apprenticeships dont complete them. This is an appalling statistic, according to Skills and Workplace Relations Minister Chris Evans. After a 12-month inquiry, a government-appointed taskforce has concluded that the apprenticeship system is in dire need of reform if it is to retain apprentices and avoid serious future skills shortages. According to the report, there is expected to be a shortfall of 36 000 tradespeople in the resources sector by 2015. The taskforces recommendations include basing apprentice wages on going rates of pay, in the hopes that higher wages will provide incentive for apprentices to complete their apprenticeships and stay in the trade. The taskforce also suggests that apprentices be able to accelerate their training so they can qualify more quickly if their skills meet the necessary requirements. These recommendations have received hearty endorsement from the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group). We strongly support the long overdue implementation of competency-based progression which enables an apprentice to complete their apprenticeship earlier if they have acquired the necessary skills and can demonstrate this. We have also advocated a review of employer incentive payments, says Heather Ridout, Chief Executive of Ai Group. Given that 42 per cent of new apprentices are 25 or over,