MADE TO MEASURE
Find out how to get started in a trade that’s right for you
NEW entry-level jobs are being created across the trades, with government data revealing a 2.9 per cent increase in people beginning apprenticeships over the past year.
National Centre for Vocational Education and Research figures for the March quarter show the largest growth in commencements occurred within automotive and engineering (up 8.4 per cent year on year) and electrotechnology and telecommunications (7.2 per cent).
There were 4270 apprentice automotive electricians and mechanics (up 6.1 per cent), 1975 apprentice mechanical engineering trades workers (up 14.8 per cent), 1710 apprentice fabrication engineering trades workers (up 10 per cent) and 1440 apprentice electronics and telecommunications trades workers (up 13.8 per cent) who started their training.
Skills One chief executive Brian Wexham says support for vocational education and training (VET) is flowing through to create apprenticeships and traineeships.
“There has been a lot of publicity and media coverage over the last six months about the opportunities through apprenticeships and traineeships and undoubtably that is now starting to have an impact.
“It’s a very positive impact, not only for those undertaking the apprenticeships and traineeships but for industry and the country as a whole,” he says.
Wexham says people interested in a trade can begin their journey with a work placement while they are still at school.
“Often this is the first opportunity students get to see what the workplace is like and the opportunities out there and what they like and perhaps don’t like,” he says.
“Also speak to career advisers and discuss it with your parents.”
He recommends young people also consider a schoolbased apprenticeship, studying a vocational qualification while completing their schooling.
“When you finish Year 12 you have often completed the first year of your apprenticeship so it sets you well on your way,” he says.
Australian Training Awards 2018 Apprentice of the Year Michael Edwards says the key for others to get a foot in the door of a trade is to take opportunities as they arise and do everything to the best of their ability.
The qualified mechanic and electrician advises people to find a pre-apprenticeship program that gives them a feel for the trade they want to enter.
For example, a Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology is a good start for an aspiring motor mechanic.
“It shows dedication to the trade they want to do, rather than just floating into the interview and saying, ‘I want to do an apprenticeship’,” he says.
“(An employer can see) they are determined to follow that career path, it’s what they want to do.”
Once a person has their apprenticeship, Edwards recommends asking a lot of questions – and actually listening to the answers.
“There is nothing more valuable than having a good relationship with the tradesperson that you are working for and you can establish that by listening and learning and being eager,” he says.