Tradies earn more than university graduates but Gold Coast apprenticeship intake down

YOU can earn more money doing a trade apprenticeship than having a university degree according to the latest data. So why are school leavers not taking up apprenticeships?

Tradies earn more than university graduates but Gold Coast apprenticeship intake is down by 20 per cent.

SCHOOL leavers are being encouraged to take on apprenticeships with the promise they will earn 20 per cent more than their peers who complete bachelor degrees as the local construction industry fails to entice new tradies.

The latest figures released this week by Construction Skills Queensland show local apprentice intake rates have dropped by 20 per cent despite record levels of construction activity on the Coast.

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Industry experts warn there could be trade shortage down the track if the trend continued.

Construction Skills Queensland spokesman Robert Sobyra said school leavers should feel secure in entering a construction apprenticeship.

The local construction industry are wanting higher apprenticeship intakes suggesting tradies will earn more than their university schooled counterparts.

“Our modelling shows that, by age 25, those who completed a construction apprenticeship are 20 per cent more likely to be employed full-time than someone who completed a Bachelor degree, and will earn on average 20 per cent more,” he said.

“If these apprentice rates don’t lift in the foreseeable future the industry runs the risk of trade shortages down the track.”

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He said the residential building industry on the Gold Coast was expected to rise from $2.3b a year to $3.3b over the next four years.

“Against this backdrop, it is concerning to see fewer new construction apprentices entering the industry on the Gold Coast,” he said.

“The intake rate fell 20 per cent over the year to 2017 from four new apprentices per hundred workers to just over three.”

Tradies can earn 20 per cent more in their qualified years than university educated students will take home.

CSQ Chief Executive Officer Brett Schimming said the research showed that construction apprentices are generally achieving better outcomes than any other group by age 25, both in pay and likelihood of being employed.

“Someone who completed a trade apprenticeship earned, on average, $70,000 compared to $63,000 for university graduates at age 25,” he said.

“These findings should be encouraging to those school-leavers who have decided to not follow a university pathway — there are many different training and career options available to help you achieve your goals.

“An apprenticeship, which allows you to earn while you learn, is an excellent option.”