Modern apprentices want time on the tools, not sweeping as training methods change

Tradies and trainers are tweaking their approach to on-the-job learning for apprentices after realising methods of old will not attract or retain Gen Z apprentices.

Apprenticeships are being modified to appeal to more young people as trainers concede Gen Z will not tolerate sweeping the floors as part of their training.

While the rigidity of the apprenticeship model means major changes cannot be made, trainers are tweaking their approach to on-the-job learning in recognition that the training methods of old will not work for current apprentices.

With low wages another deterrent to more young people picking up the tools, trainers say financial incentives are also being offered to lure potential apprentices and encourage current apprentices to complete their training.

THINGS HAVE CHANGED

Ron Maxwell, chief executive officer of not-for-profit training provider VERTO, says today’s youth possess high levels of creativity and intellect, making them ideal candidates for an apprenticeship.

But he says the old ways of treating apprentices as lackeys will not keep young people engaged for four years of training and they are now permitted to perform work duties earlier on.

“Previous generations (of apprentices) played the game because that’s the way it was always done, but Gen Z won’t accept that,” Maxwell says.

“Back in my day, all you did (as an early apprentice) was sweep floors and fill up the coffee machine, but those days are gone.

“Gen Z want to be part of things – to be part of the action and feel they are contributing.

“It depends on the trade, obviously, but (apprentices) can do a lot right from the start (of their training) and they can get on the tools pretty quickly, under the watchful eye of a qualified tradie.’’

Apprentice Sarah Pringle, who is learning on the job.

Sarah Pringle, 20, is only in the second year of an electrical apprenticeship but is already enjoying the work required of her at engineering firm UGL.

“I showed quite a bit of interest early on so, instead of sweeping, I would be sitting next to the tradesperson watching them wire a panel and then the next day they would give me a crack at doing it,” she says.

“If I was constantly sweeping floors, I would feel like they didn’t take me seriously, but I’ve been shown heaps – I’ve been on site in the mines and I have had a look into absolutely everything.

“I absolutely love my job. We work with a lot of big equipment, like trains and mining equipment, and there’s something different every day.”

MONEY A BARRIER

Maxwell says the low pay awarded to apprentices has long been a deterrent to learning a trade.

“(Apprentices) feel they’re struggling to keep up the lifestyle that they feel they should have,” he says.

“They’re going out with their friends (who work in other sectors) who can party all night but they (apprentices) can’t because they’ve run out of money by 9 o’clock.”

While employers have increased salaries for other workers in a bid to address talent shortages, WPC Group general manager Andrew Sezonov says apprentice pay remains low.

But he says financial incentives are becoming more common, noting some apprentices are being provided with up to $4000 worth of additional professional development or leadership training, while retention bonuses of up to $10,000 have been paid to qualified apprentices who choose to stay with their existing employer.

Scholarships to complete part of an apprenticeship overseas are also available, he says.

“Then, of course, there’s the big dollars you can expect at the end (of an apprenticeship as a qualified tradie), with no HECS debt,” Sezonov says.

“For a couple of years of training, where you earn while you learn, the wages you get at the end certainly make (the trades) a great sector to get into.”

Ron Maxwell, CEO of VERTO.

TOP BENEFITS

Three reasons to consider an apprenticeship:

1. Money: While starting salaries are low, apprenticeships are the only model that allow you to earn while you learn. Once qualified, tradespeople typically earn more in their first year than university graduates.

2. Job security: Apprentices often stay with their employer after qualifying which means they have a much higher employment rate when compared with new university graduates.

3. Career prospects: Long-term worker shortages mean there is high demand for qualified tradespeople. It can also be easier for tradies to set up their own business, compared to other career professionals.