Success through experience and support
'Completion rates for Australian Apprenticeships are unacceptably low (about 48 per cent)'
Expert Panel on Apprenticeships
Steph has just recently commenced her apprenticeship to become a fitter and turner.
In choosing her trade, Steph was assisted by an Apprenticeship Advisor. Steph's advisor helped her to choose a trade by providing information about the job, the type of work she would be doing, as well as what qualification she would need to study.
As part of her on‑the‑job training, Steph will also be supported by a mentor funded by the Government through her employer. The mentor will provide guidance and support to help Steph complete her apprenticeship.
More Australians than ever before are embarking on a career through an Australian apprenticeship, but only around half complete their training. This represents a significant waste of economic potential.
Additional support through mentoring
Mentoring is a proven way of supporting apprentices through to completion of their training. That is why the Government is investing $101 million for mentoring.
The Government is providing mentoring assistance for up to 40,000 eligible Australian apprentices, over four years, in the traditional trades as well as in small to medium business. Mentors will be experienced tradespersons and will help apprentices to deal with difficult situations (such as living away from home), stay motivated and go on to complete their training.
Choosing the right training path
The Government will also support school leavers considering an apprenticeship, through Apprenticeship Advisors to help them when they are choosing their career path. By making the right decisions upfront, opportunities for the economy and individuals can be maximised.
Completion rates in trades by occupation, year commenced 2005
Source: NCVER 2009 Apprentice and Trainee Annual.