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Struggles Faced by Apprentice Tradespeople in Australia
As the cost of living continues to rise, many apprentice tradespeople in Australia are finding it increasingly challenging to cover their basic expenses. This situation is leading a growing number of apprentices to take on second jobs, creating significant stress and impacting their mental health.
Financial Strain on Apprentices
Apprentice mechanics, like 18-year-old Aidan Garcia, often face financial difficulties. Despite enjoying his apprenticeship, Garcia’s wage of approximately $600 per week is insufficient to cover his living costs. With rent alone at $250 weekly and fuel costs around $110, he finds himself with almost nothing left after paying for food, phone bills, and other essentials.
To bridge the gap, Garcia has taken up a second job at My Muscle Chef, where he works overnight. Initially, he was clocking in close to 85 hours a week between both jobs, squeezing sleep into the margins of his hectic schedule. Despite the brutal workload, which saw him operate on minimal rest, he has managed to increase his earnings to around $1,400 weekly. However, this has come with the price of almost no downtime.
The Shift in Perspective
Garcia has often reconsidered his path in his apprenticeship, expressing frustration over the financial disparity with peers in other industries. He noted that many of his friends earn more in roles like the Army, highlighting the growing discontent among apprentices regarding their pay.
Other apprentices echo Garcia’s experience. According to research from Apprenticeships Are Us (ARU), over 40% of apprentices are juggling multiple jobs to cope with the escalating cost of living. This juggling act not only leads to exhaustion but also increases dropout rates in apprenticeship programs, which is concerning given Australia’s current trade shortage.
The Implications of a Dropout Crisis
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) reported a staggering 17.4% decrease in new apprenticeship start-ups, with the non-completion rate sitting at 60%. Dennis Rodgers from ARU highlighted that many trainees earn between $26,800 and $29,400 annually, prompting some to abandon their training.
With the expectation to invest in mandatory tools costing between $4,000 and $10,000, the financial burden can escalate rapidly. Many apprentices have resorted to loans to afford these essential tools, adding to their financial struggles.
Government Initiatives and Future Prospects
In response to these challenges, the government has announced a $10,000 incentive for apprentices, disbursed in instalments over their training period. While Garcia acknowledges this assistance could alleviate some financial pressure, he emphasises that further actions are necessary to ensure apprentices earn a fair wage and are not forced into exhausting work routines to sustain themselves.
Despite his challenges, Garcia remains committed to his apprenticeship. With expectations that his pay will significantly rise upon qualification—from $16 per hour to at least $28—he hopes for a brighter financial future.
Conclusion
The dual struggle of financial strain and mental health risks among apprentices must be addressed. With a foreseeable skilled worker shortage in Australia, it is imperative for employers and the government to create an environment that supports the apprenticeship system, fosters growth, and provides fair compensation to ensure that young tradespeople can succeed without the burden of multiple jobs.
