One in every two trade apprentices drop out before completing their course, with those in unregulated sectors, such as chefs and hairdressers, far more likely to abandon their vocation than they are to finish.
Experts say the high attrition rates are contributing to chronic skill shortages as low wages, poor work conditions and bullying contributing to dismal completion numbers.
Loading...
Julie Hare is the Education editor. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a writer, journalist and editor. Connect with Julie on Twitter. Email Julie at julie.hare@afr.com
Michael Read is the Financial Review's economics correspondent, reporting from the federal press gallery at Parliament House. He was previously an economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia and at UBS. Connect with Michael on Twitter. Email Michael at michael.read@afr.com
