Young people being urged to gain trade qualifications instead of university degrees

The number of South Australian females starting traineeships and apprenticeships has plummeted, as young people are urged to consider them instead of taking up uni offers. TAKE OUR POLL

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The number of South Australian females starting traineeships and apprenticeships has plummeted, as young people are urged to consider a trade instead of taking up uni offers.

The 2710 female commencements in 2017-18 was 18 per cent down from the previous year, while the 5475 males was a drop of 3 per cent, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

The State Government has pointed to opportunities in growth areas of defence, disability, cybersecurity, IT and space.

Apprenticeship Support Australia SA general manager Peter Adams said a strong uni entrance score did not guarantee career success.

“People can be happier working outside rather than in an office or studying at an institution, while gaining an economic head start in life,” he said.

“If young people follow their passions, are engaged, and have a higher sense of wellbeing, they’re more likely to have a successful career.”

Fourth-year carpentry apprentice and Master Builders SA apprentice of the year Matthew Ludwig says he loved his work because “every day is different”.

Despite the recent collapse of several home builders, Master Builders SA said commercial sector demand meant there were worker shortages in all areas of the construction industry. “Just look at all the cranes around the CBD at the moment – construction is booming,” Master Builders SA chief executive Ian Markos said.

“With demand far outstripping supply, it’s no surprise tradies are paid so well these days. Our members and the general public alike are crying out for quality carpenters, bricklayers, painters, wall and floor tilers and so on.

“To cope with the high demand, we’re also now offering apprenticeships in cabinet making, roof plumbing and concreting. Those who continue to look down their noses at trades are dinosaurs. The future is definitely bright for any young person starting out in our industry.”

The state and federal governments are together spending $200 million to create an extra 20,800 apprenticeships and traineeships over four years.

SA Skills Minister David Pisoni said the State Government was subsidising more than 700 courses and had doubled the rate of the travel allowance for regional apprentices.

There also is expected to be increased demand for trades as the Defence spend and Whyalla steel expansions come online over the next few years.

Fourth-year carpentry apprentice Matthew Ludwig, 24, the Master Builders SA apprentice of the year, said he loved his work because “every day is different”.

Originally published as Young people being urged to gain trade qualifications instead of university degrees