A leading apprenticeship network is calling on the Federal Government to urgently introduce targeted support and incentives for adult and underage apprentices, to avoid willing and able candidates sitting on the sidelines during a severe national skills shortage.
According to Phil Cooksey, General Manager of Apprenticeships Are Us Ltd (ARU), adult applicants account for 30 per cent of all apprenticeship enquiries received by the organisation. Despite bringing maturity, motivation, and valuable life experience, these candidates are struggling to find employers willing to give them a start.
“Adults come to us with life experience and maturity. They also have acquired knowledge that could be a real benefit to the business, but are struggling to secure a placement,” Mr Cooksey said.
The primary barrier, he explained, is the cost difference between adult and junior apprentices. Under current wage structures in the automotive industry, an adult apprentice costs an employer an additional $11,764.42 per year compared to a junior apprentice who has not completed their HSC.
“Many host employers simply prefer to take on younger apprentices, not only because of the lower cost, but because they believe younger candidates better fit their existing teams. This leaves a large portion of highly motivated adult candidates without a pathway forward,” Mr Cooksey said.
At the same time, younger candidates face their own challenges. Many school leavers eager to begin an apprenticeship straight after Year 10 are not yet eligible for a driver’s licence, which limits their appeal to employers who require mobility between worksites.
“We find that most host employers require apprentices to hold a driver’s licence so they can move between worksites, work on the driveway or pick up parts. But by law, these candidates are too young to hold a licence, even though they are otherwise ready to enter the workforce. As a result, these enthusiastic young Australians are overlooked, not due to any shortfall in work ethic or capability, but simply because of their age,” Mr Cooksey said.
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With Australia facing a critical and long-term skills shortage across many trades, Mr Cooksey says urgent policy action is needed to unlock the potential of both adult and underage apprentice candidates.
“This is why we believe the Australian Government urgently needs to reconsider its approach to apprenticeship incentives. Increased financial support or targeted wage subsidies for employers who take on adult apprentices or unlicensed under-17s would be a game changer,” he said.
“These measures could offset perceived inconveniences and help shift the mindset of employers. We’re calling on the Federal Government to make it easier for all Australians – regardless of age – to access apprenticeship opportunities. With skill shortages continuing across key trades and industries, we simply can’t afford to leave willing and able candidates sitting on the sidelines.”