BIG FUTURE IN THE PIPELINE
Immediate job opportunities certainly are on offer for those who want to learn a trade
APPRENTICES are in high demand as employer confidence returns in line with easing COVID-19 restrictions in most states, and incentives make hiring more attractive.
The Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN) Australian Apprenticeship Vacancy Index reveals there were 1413 listed available apprenticeships and traineeships last month, up from 1036 in June, 2019 – a 36 per cent increase year on year.
GAN Australia chief executive Gary Workman says it is mainly the result of growing employer confidence.
“Most of the country seems to be easing restrictions,” he says.
“Employers are keen to get back to business. There is builtup demand, certainly in construction (where) there has been more interest in apprenticeships over the past 12 months.
“With the COVID-19 issues, youth unemployment is about 16 per cent so it’s good to see employers looking at options for young people.”
Workman says financial incentives for employers to hire apprentices that kicked in last July have also helped boost the number of available positions in the past year.
Under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program – which is set to be updated and streamlined in January, 2021 – commencement, retention and completion payments are offered to employers who hire workers in high-demand occupations.
“There is increased money available for employers to take on apprentices,” Workman says.
“Unlike the JobKeeper arrangement, they are permanent increases, which is good.”
The vacancy index reveals the occupational groups that experienced the largest jump in available apprenticeships and traineeships include building and construction (up 86 per cent, 204 more jobs); hospitality, travel and tourism (61 per cent, 51 more jobs); electrical, electronics and utilities (58 per cent, 50 more jobs); and metal and engineering (46 per cent, 37 more jobs).
There was a drop in vacancies in automotive and boating (down 32 per cent, 50 fewer jobs).
Workman says some growth in apprenticeships may be from employers replacing staff they lost months ago.
Another influencing factor may be the lack of overseas workers while borders are closed.
“Some bigger builders use 457 visas and those options are becoming harder and more expensive so hopefully people will support Australian youth,” he says.
Every state and territory recorded an increase in the number of apprenticeships in the 12 months to June, except the ACT.
Queensland doubled its vacancies from 170 to 343.
It is hoped job growth will continue into the future following the Federal Government’s announcement of its JobTrainer package, which includes $1.5 billion to expand apprentice and trainee wage subsidies as well as 340,000 subsidised places in vocational education for people affected by COVID-19.