Tradies Make Great Money - So Why Aren't Kids Becoming Apprentices?
Jack loved building, fixing, and improving, and always assumed he would become a tradie like his dad. However, his dreams hit the skids when he started looking for apprenticeships. Jack was devastated, knowing that he could earn good money when qualified, which was evident from the numerous job advertisements screaming out for tradies, but apprenticeships? Crickets for his area. Sadly, this is a common and, for some, baffling situation considering the pressure on the stretched construction industry at the moment. But for some, taking on an apprentice is too high-risk.
The Queensland government is aware of the aging out of tradies and is taking measures to combat the worrying trend that is thinning out qualified and experienced workers. Measures such as TAFE at school and the public promotion of careers in the construction industry, as well as other initiatives, are having little impact on the situation.
Why Are Apprenticeships and Graduating Apprentices Becoming Scarce?
Apprentices are the bottom of the food chain in the construction industry, with low pay and high demands. Traditionally, the grunts of the trades get the physically demanding and mind-numbing jobs, carrying cables, digging holes, and cleaning up after everyone. This makes sense because they are not paid well, which, coupled with the long hours and demanding roles, sees them leave for better-paid and more enjoyable roles. For those who hang in there, eventually the pay and conditions improve. It's keeping them long term which is proving to be the challenge. 60% of apprentices who leave do so in their first year—the lowest-paid and often most demeaning time.
Recruitment Nerves Adding to Existing Skilled Worker Shortage
With the Olympics creating further demand on the construction industry, and new housing demand bordering on insane, the industry is stretched to the limit. From an employer's view, they cannot find skilled workers to keep up with demand, with most feeling nervous about the risks of apprentices and the high rate of failure to complete, especially for smaller businesses.
"After twenty years as a manager, I find myself back on the tools because we simply cannot recruit plumbers in Brisbane. We've got commercial plumbing contracts, and the work must be completed. We've looked abroad to recruit quality plumbers but there are delays and risks with sponsoring a skilled worker visa. It's been impossible to keep up with demand," said John Salmon, master plumber Brisbane.
High demand plus insufficient skilled workers equals price hikes and wage freezes, creating a vicious cycle of a breed dying for the new generation. So how can we get our kids through the first few years of a traditionally challenging vocation without failure to thrive?
