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Casey -
submitted 17/11/2009
I completed a traineeship a number of years ago after completing year 10 and have since gone on to employee trainees in my workplace. I think it's a fantastic option for those who do not wish to complete their HSC or go on to Yrs 11 and 12. My only gripe is the way that trainees are paid according to level of schooling completed. I don't think it's fair that a 16 year old who completed their year ten certificate should be paid less than an 18 year old who went on to year 12. Both are entering the workforce as beginners coming straight from school. Why should the one who enters the workforce earlier be penalised for not having completed year 12? In my experience, the year 10 leavers that I have employed have been just as good (in some cases - better) than their older counterparts. What's the justification for paying someone less money when they do just as good a job?
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Kousai -
submitted 18/11/2009
I have not completed an apprenticeship but my brother is starting one now. It took him 4 months to find a decent employer who'd be willing to take on an apprentice. In relation to the big companies he applied for, like CityRail and Energy Australia, he had no chance of getting in - very competitive.
I would ask government to provide more incentives to employers and create more apprentice positions in the different government departments. Not only would this increase employment in this country but it would help some young people to start their careers early and find jobs much more quickly after leaving school.
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Anonymous -
submitted 19/11/2009
I work for a small business that takes on a number of electrical apprentices, and this year more than any other we had a very large number of apprentices applying. Not knowing why, we asked around at some of the big companies to find out if they were having the same thing happen. They weren't, because they simply were not taking on ANY apprentices this year. "Due to the finanical crisis" they didn't think taking on apprentices would be in the best interests of their business. How can this be true when apprentices cost less and are the future of the trades industry?? Poor planning it is.
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Anonymous -
submitted 24/11/2009
I have been googling for hours looking for a basic PDF of Apprentice's RIGHTS and RESPONSIBILITIES, too many people are being ripped off by their employers because they don't know what their rights are.....
for example
What is "Resonable Overtime" ? it is reasonable to be expected to work a 55hr week because the boss says so??
What are my rights in regards to Public Holidays??
What if i have other certificates, skills and tickets and the boss is asking me to carry out tasks not normally carried out by apprentices, shouldn't i get paid more??
What if i am continually left to work unsupervised??
I think that the Austrlian apprenticeships website could be far better utilised to communicate this information to apprentices and employers !
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Tjirra Francis -
submitted 25/11/2009
An Australian Apprenticeship establishes the fundamental building blocks for young people to start their career and grow in their chosen work force. Yet, whilst University education is strongly pushed in Secondary education, there is minimal Apprenticeship advice or opportunities provided. University education is NOT for all students, yet seems to be what the education system generally promotes particularly with the University Admission Index scheme. School Based Apprenticeships have been a step forward in promoting Australian Apprenticeships' in the Secondary education system, therefore are helping provide career choices at a critical stage in a young person's professional development.
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Patrick Berg -
submitted 4/12/2009
Apprenticeships and Trades Training
1. Are you considering an apprenticeship? What would you like to know?
No, I would like to know how long it goes for, what it entails, what are the prerequisites and what opportunities are available afterwards.
2. Do you have an apprenticeship now? What is the best thing about the apprentice scheme? What could be improved?
No, I work part time. The best thing about the apprentice scheme is that it gives people on the job training and they get wages at the same time. You could improve the number of apprenticeships and give an incentive for business to provide them because the wage and time spent will cost the employer money.
3. Have you completed an apprenticeship? What advice would you give someone thinking of applying for an Apprenticeship?
No, my advice to new Apprenticeships is to stick to the apprenticeships.
Good Luck
Patrick Berg
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Laura Burrows -
submitted 18/12/2009
I am a young person who started a small training company this year. I have researched young people in the labour market. What I would like to see is a short-term (in comparison to apprenticeships - say 2-3mths) program where young people can get a 'taste' of an industry, while still being paid. Of course, that is not the best option for employers as you would constantly be recruiting...or would you?
Imagine positions in each industries that are created as a mini traineeship/apprenticeship. The young person can get the opportunity to learn what that industry is about and earn a little bit of money. More importantly, they are learning critical employability skills (communication, teamwork, work ethic, etc) while doing it.
What is the benefit to the employer? Lots! The employer has the opportunity to be involved in teaching young people skills that everyone needs to survive and thrive in the workplace. The young person who is working for them for a few months will stay interested and motivated as they know it's only short term (young people don't like the idea of 'long-term' ventures!). If the young person really enjoys it, the employer has the peace of mind that that particular young person is the right person for the job. If not, they bring in the next young person to learn about the industry.
Something like this would need the support of all industries, so essentially there is a pyramid effect with teaching employability skills to our young people.