The number of apprentices and trainees is at its lowest level since the turn of the millenium, according to new research.
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research has found there were only 282,000 people in the vocational sector last year, compared to the 515,000 in 2012.
It’s the lowest number since the 271,000 apprentices and trainees were recorded in the year 2000.
Andrew Goode, a 32-year-old apprentice plumber, is the oldest in his class at the Canberra Institute of Technology and said he left his job as a greenkeeper to start his new profession.
“I just wanted something new, something to be able to learn again. I was sort of stuck in the same rut. I've got a lot of friends in the other trades and I thought plumbing would be a good career move really,” Mr Goode said.
While he’s earning less than he did in his previous career, he’s still paid more than colleague apprentices who’ve just left high school.
“I just wanted something new, something to be able to learn again."
“I get a little more than the average apprentice but it's not up to tradesman's wages like I was earning before,” he said.
“The boss does allow a little overtime, which does help out.”
The chief executive of the Business Council of Australia, Jennifer Westacott, said the Vocational Education and Training, or VET, sector is in “serious crisis”.
Watch apprentice plumber Adam Goode speak about retraining:
“We've got funding to the VET system now lower than it was 10 years ago,” Ms Westacott said.
“What that means is that we won't have the skills that we need for the economy going forward. More importantly, a young person won't be able to find a career path through an apprenticeship.”
Some of the biggest industry groups in Australia have united to call for a $1.7 billion funding agreement, which is due to expire in June, to be extended
The National Partnership Agreement on Skills was signed in 2012 by the Gillard Government.
“If we don't get the national partnership agreement renewed, how do we actually drive reforms in apprenticeships system?” Ms Westacott said.
CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, James Pearson, said the partnership agreement is the best way to get governments working together.
“The federal government should maintain the funding in the current partnership agreement and create a genuine national system for apprenticeships,” Mr Pearson said.
The Coalition Government is implementing a National Career Education Strategy, which it said will help repair the damage, but future funding for vocational education is now “the subject of standard Cabinet processes”.
“There will always be someone else who is willing to work more cheaply than the Australian safety net.”
“We have introduced $20,000 Trade Support Loans that provide financial support to trainees throughout the life of their apprenticeship with a significant discount on repayments if they complete their training,” Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews said.
While the number of apprentices has gone down across the country, over a million 457 visas for skilled foreign workers were also granted in the last decade.
“There will always be someone else who is willing to work more cheaply than the Australian safety net,” Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said.
“Our challenge is to go up the value chain and to be able to make Commonwealth product by an engaged and motivated workforce.”
