Why so many tradies are on brink of quitting their apprenticeship

Australian tradies are being pushed to quit and receive next to no support, according to the results of a new poll.

Australia is facing a looming tradie crisis amid concerns one third of electrical apprentices have considered quitting the profession.

The soaring cost of living, work culture and stagnant wages were listed as the top reasons trainees were weighing up quitting, according to new polling commissioned by the Electrical Trades Union.

Almost 90 per cent of respondents did not receive any mentoring during their apprenticeship and half received no support at all.

Australia is facing a looming tradie crisis.

This is despite Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers being tasked with providing personalised advice and support services for to-be tradies during their training, at a cost of $1.25bn over the next five years.

Nationally, there are 44 AASN providers, but two-thirds of those tradies asked did not know who their support provider was.

ETU’s Michael Wright said the “damning results” painted a picture of a broken system.

“With apprentices considering quitting in droves, urgent action is needed to arrest a looming skills crisis that could have shocking consequences for generations,” the acting national secretary said.

Just half those who begin an electrical apprenticeship complete their training.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen is due to hold a roundtable discussion with industry leaders and unions on Tuesday.

The ETU warns Australia may not be equipped for the transition if it doesn't address the tradie crisis.

On Monday, electricians were listed as one of Australia’s most in-demand jobs.

An estimated 10,000 apprentice places will be offered in the new energy sector. ensuring one in 10 workers engaged on federally funded government projects is an apprentice or trainee.

Mr Wright said he wanted the AASN system overhauled as a national priority.

“Australia’s energy future hinges on training tens of thousands of electrical tradespeople,” he said.

“We are highlighting the fact Australia will need tens of thousands of skilled electrical workers to connect renewables like solar, wind and batteries to our electricity grid.”

Originally published as Why so many tradies are on brink of quitting their apprenticeship