Dual trade apprenticeships help apprentices to stay on the tools

There’s a sure-fire way for young people to get employed – and stay that way.

DUAL trade apprentices will never be out of work and will pave the way for the introduction of other combined training qualifications.

Thirty-eight apprentices recently signed up to BMW’s light vehicle mechanical technology-automotive electrical qualification, with the luxury car maker receiving so many applications for the dual trade program that it will offer a second intake later this year.

The National Electrical and Communications Association has announced it will also offer dual trade apprenticeships, with apprentices undertaking their electrical and refrigeration/air conditioning qualifications simultaneously.

The BMW program, run in partnership with NextGen Jobs, provides accelerated training for apprentices to complete their Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology within three years – one year shorter than a standard apprenticeship.

Ethan Magro is one of BMW’s first dual trade apprentices and believes it will increase his job opportunities in future.

Participants can then extend their training for another 12 months to obtain the automotive electrical qualification.

NextGen Jobs operations manager Evan Henry says it “just makes perfect sense” to complete two qualifications.

“Within the four years that it usually takes to complete one apprenticeship, you could have a dual apprenticeship that sets you up in the future as a BMW master technician,” he says.

“(Qualified dual apprentices) will be highly sought after because of the skills they have.

“They could take their skills and work for BMW worldwide.’’

NECA SA/NT executive director Larry Moore says those wanting to undertake dual trade qualifications were previously required to complete two separate apprenticeships – often doubling up on early units of study in a “ridiculous’’ training process that took about eight years.

NECA’s dual trade pilot program will see apprentices complete both the electrical and refrigeration/air conditioning qualifications within five years.

Combining the two trades made good sense, given it currently requires two tradies to install a split-system air conditioner – a refrigeration mechanic to fit the unit and an electrician to connect the wiring for it to operate, Moore says.

“There’s just so much demand for this,’’ he says.

“When people finish this course, they will never be out of work.’’

Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service director Peta Skujins believes dual trade pathways have considerable benefit, particularly in the fly-in fly-out sector.

“For an employer, they can take on one person with both (trade) licences, rather than having to take on two,’’ she says.

“But it will also be good for someone that wants to start their own business down the track – having the ability to work in (two) licensed trades is of huge benefit because they don’t have the added cost of bringing other (employees) in.’’

Skujins says other sectors will closely watch both programs and expects various trade qualification combinations to be rolled out in the future.

Ethan Magro, 20, is one of BMW’s first dual trade apprentices and believes the training will motivate him to aim high throughout his career.

“I could not have been happier with my decision (to undertake the dual apprenticeship),’’ says Magro, who is based at BMW’s Essendon dealership.

“Having two qualifications will be of big assistance in my career as it can help me branch out to more job opportunities.’’