A new scheme is helping dozens of NT apprentices complete their training

A Berrimah panelbeater is the new face of motor trade apprentices in the NT under a new program delivering remarkable results. Read why Carlos is an industry winner.

A career in motor trades was almost inevitable for 21-year-old Top End apprentice Carlos Karpathios.

He loved working around cars, enjoyed workshop environments and rust removal was in his blood.

Others aren’t as fortunate. Motor trades, like other skills-based occupations, suffer from low apprentice retention rates and the subsequent talent drain hits businesses, customers and drags down the economy.

A 2022 study by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research found just 54 per cent of all trade-based apprentices or trainees complete their training.

Carlos’ grandfather Ian Watt was into rust removal and when he died, Carlos followed his beloved relative into the occupation and jumped when offered an apprenticeship at Al’s Panel Shop in Berrimah at the start of the year.

Mentor Phil Wyley and apprentice Carlos Karpathios.

Challenges for apprentices are “never-ending”, Carlos said. They begin with transitioning away from school into work, learning in new and unfamiliar environments and coming to terms with the pay.

“I know a lot of apprentices have trouble with pay,” he said.

“It’s a massive issue in the industry. I know some kids are taking home as little as $13 an hour.”

To address these challenges the NT government and Motor Trades Association NT have partnered to develop an apprentice and trainee mentoring program that’s delivering remarkable results.

With a $308,000 government contribution, the program supports the sector’s almost 100 Territory first year apprentices and trainees as well as the businesses that employ them.

About 18 months through the two-year mentoring scheme, 98 of the 99 first-year apprentices and trainees are still enrolled.

Of the 99 participants, 21 are Indigenous and six are female.

Jobs and Training Minster Paul Kirby said the NT’s Automotive Apprenticeship Program was delivering strong results for businesses and apprentices.

Jobs and Training Minister Paul Kirby. Picture: Sierra Haigh

“Our government has put a great focus on skilling our workers, and providing opportunities for our workforce to progress their careers,” Mr Kirby said.

“Hearing of an almost 100 per cent retention rate within the Territory’s automotive industry is fantastic news, and shows our government’s $308,000 contribution supporting automotive apprentices is having an ongoing impact on our economy.”

As of June 30, 2023, there were 445 automotive apprentices in the NT, an increase of 8 per cent from the same time in 2022. Employed by 215 businesses, there are 152 in Darwin, 37 in Alice Springs and 33 in the regions.

Fourteen qualifications are delivered across the 445 apprenticeships, with the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology accounting for more than half of all enrolments.

Carlos Karpathios from Al's Panel Shop with MTA chief executive Darrell Jacobs.

Mentor Phil Wyley said the program provides apprentices with the support and confidence to finish their trade.

He acknowledges the “perennial struggle” around completing an apprenticeship.

“The raft of challenges apprentices face can be quite overwhelming for young people transitioning from school into a professional environment,” he said.

“Incorrect pay, superannuation, bullying, and professional standards.

“All these transitions between a school life and adult professional life can be quite overwhelming.”

Motor Trades Association chief executive Darrell Jacobs said retaining apprentices was an effective way to shut down skills shortages.

“Early intervention, particularly in the crucial first year of an apprenticeship, has proved to be a game changer.”