New report finds most apprentices plan to stay in traineeship
National research shows most apprentices intend to finish their training and employers are largely retaining them. However, wellbeing issues and uneven workplace support remain risks to completion rates.
Are most apprentices actually finishing their training — and what's putting them at risk of dropping out?
Affects builders, electricians, plumbers and all trade employers. Retention and support practices directly impact whether apprentices finish — shaping future workforce supply.
Key takeaways
- Most apprentices and trainees nationally plan to stay and complete their training.
- Employers are generally doing well at retaining apprentices, the research found.
- Wellbeing challenges remain a key risk factor for apprentices not completing.
- Inconsistent workplace support could be the deciding factor in whether trainees finish.
Related
Trades shortages persist as work on the ground remains solid
Skilled trade shortages remain widespread across Australia. The HIA says demand for workers is being supported by the recovery in home building activity over the past year.
Why it matters: Builders, carpenters and other residential trades should expect continued tight labour supply. That can mean higher wage pressure, harder hiring and longer lead times on jobs.
Regulators inspect Nambucca Valley region farms
Commonwealth and state regulators ran a coordinated operation across horticulture farms and labour hire businesses in the Nambucca Valley and Coffs Harbour regions of NSW. They checked compliance with workplace, tax, migration and safety laws and looked for phoenixing.
Why it matters: Mainly affects horticulture, not trades directly. Builders, electricians and plumbers using labour hire or subcontractors may see similar multi-agency checks on pay, tax, visa and safety compliance.
Safe Work Australia calls for national action to prevent workplace fatalities and manage emerging workplace risks
Safe Work Australia has published the final report of its Best Practice Review of the model Work Health and Safety laws. It calls for national action to prevent workplace fatalities and manage emerging workplace risks.
Why it matters: All trades, including builders, electricians and plumbers, work under the model WHS laws. Any changes from the review could alter safety duties, compliance paperwork and site practices, though details aren't yet given.