Gavin Sas wants to hire someone to learn the ropes so he can expand his small painting business in regional Victoria, but is worried about the extra cost of taking on an apprentice before the investment starts to pay off.

“The first six to 12 months is really just teaching them table manners,” said Mr Sas, whose G Effect Painting does interiors and exteriors of homes around Traralgon, about two hours’ drive east of Melbourne.