Revealed: Why apprenticeship enrolment rates are ‘record-high’

With incentives and the building boom leading to more job and upskilling opportunities, apprentices are taking full advantage.

Fourth year apprentice Ryan Smith welding at Toowoomba Tafe campus. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Record-high enrolments in construction-related trades have occurred across the region and state.

And with government incentives and as work continues to grow to meet the demand of the building boom, employment vacancies are also on the rise.

Whether they’re pursuing a new trade or looking to upskill, apprentices are taking full advantage.

Apprentices Ashley Whitby, 22, and Ryan Smith, 32, are currently studying a Certificate IV in manufacturing, welding and engineering at the TAFE campus in Toowoomba.

“I left school in grade 10 to do a trade, because I didn’t enjoy the books-side of school,” Ms Whitby said.

“After getting my trade, I went and joined the army, and now that I’m back and with a trade behind me already, I’m able to improve my skills and qualifications.”

Fourth year apprentice Ashley Whitby (left) with TAFE Toowoomba educational team leader for engineering Col Batzloff use an augmented reality welding machine. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mr Smith said since he became a qualified welder in 2010, his career had taken him to all kinds of places, including the mines.

Now back in Toowoomba and keen to upskill, he is currently employed by Customvac Australia.

“I’ve always enjoyed the hands-on side of learning, loved to build and see the final product come together,” Mr Smith said.

“The benefits of upskilling means we’re meeting industry standards, have more career opportunities and the industry really does need more people to be skilled in these areas.”

Fourth year apprentice Ryan Smith welding at Toowoomba Tafe campus. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Data produced by Construction Skills Queensland showed more than 300 apprentice commencements had occurred in the past quarter of 2020.

Compared to the same quarter in the year prior, the figures showed a 173% growth in the region.

Statewide, more than 4000 new apprentices were employed during this time.

“This record increase has been spurred equally by government subsidies for hiring and keeping apprentices, as it has by the residential building boom,” CSQ chief executive officer Brett Schimming said.

“The house building sector is the spiritual home of construction apprenticeships, so a boom in this sector, combined with very cheap apprentice wages, naturally leads to a boom in apprentice commencements.

“This is the kind of training response that we need to see to ensure we have the skilled trades to service demand.”

TAFE Toowoomba educational team leader for engineering Col Batzloff demonstrates an augmented reality welding machine. Picture: Kevin Farmer

TAFE Toowoomba’s educational team leader for engineering Col Batzloff said the industry was now integrating new learning technologies, from robotics and augmented reality machines, to 3D printing.

“Over our footprint we’ve had an increase in most trades, with fluctuations depending on the build up in certain areas,” Mr Batzloff said.

“It’s as a result of the skill shortages where governments have looked at promoting apprenticeships through funding and obviously the industry is taking that on board to give more opportunities to apprentices.”

Toowoomba’s TAFE campus currently has 70 students enrolled in a trade, 36 of which are apprentices or trainees.