Reasons for Non-completion and Dissatisfaction among Apprentices and Trainees: A Regional Case Study

Skills shortages have reinvigorated ongoing debate and concern about high attrition rates among Australian apprentices and trainees. Low apprentice and trainee wages have often been cited to explain this ongoing problem. This paper discusses the factors contributing to non-completion among apprentices and trainees in regional Victoria, and how the experiences of those apprentices and trainees who did not complete their training compare to those currently in-training. It asserts that unpleasant working conditions, poor quality training, a lack of support and low wages are contributing to both non-completion and a high degree of dissatisfaction among apprentices and trainees. Consequently, it argues an increase in the apprentice and trainee wage can only go part-way to improving training outcomes and experiences and attracting young people into the system.