Employers Opening Doors to School-based Apprenticeships in the ACT

Introduction

Mas National Apprenticeship Consultant, Sue Black, has been working with the ACT Education Directorate’s Head Start Program to encourage employers to take on Australian School-based Apprentices (ASbA) during their final years at school. The Head Start Program provides 50 tailored ASbA places for year 10 and 11 ACT public school students while completing their senior secondary certificate. The program provides a practical and exciting pathway for students to enter the workforce while completing their education.

The Challenge

Australia’s skills shortage demands a significant cultural shift to encourage employers to take on new apprentices and trainees. Many employers are reticent, having already provided opportunities to young people who aren’t yet ready to commit to completing their training. Young people who leave school to take up full-time offers are often underprepared for the rigors of the workplace and uncertain about committing to a single trade.

The Solution

The Directorate’s Head Start Program provides tailored ongoing support for students and employers throughout the program leading to better outcomes and more secure employment post school. The program has a dedicated Head Start Career Coach, Support Officer, and Industry Coordinator. Head Start students are supported through a targeted recruitment process to match students with employers and complete a tailored work experience placement and ongoing pre-vocational training to prepare them for the world of work.

Mas National (Mas) has supported the Canberra-based Head Start program to identify opportunities for young people through existing industry partnerships resulting in increased opportunities for young people going into apprenticeship pathways.

Sue Black says the Head Start program allows young students to begin their career pathway while remaining engaged with their networks at school.

“You’re earning and learning. So you’re earning money, you’re learning a trade while still getting your Senior Secondary School Certificate. And when you come out of year 12, you’re already one step ahead in terms of your career,” Sue said.

She explains that this early exposure to the workforce not only accelerates the young person’s career progression but also helps them stay motivated and engaged in their studies. She says the program has an impressive track record for transitioning students into full-time apprenticeships at the completion of the program.

“We’re seeing better retention at school and retention in training. If we make sure we fit the right student with the right employer and the right environment, they’re invariably moving into full-time apprenticeships when they finish school.” Sue said.

The Results

One such student, Joshua, who has a passion for plumbing, was one of four students offered work experience through Sue’s connections with local plumbing company, Enviroact Plumbing. Joshua’s impressive performance during his work experience secured him an ASbA, allowing him to train as a plumber during his final years at school.

Owner of Enviroact, Gavin Meiklejohn, says the early start to an apprenticeship is more likely to result in a successful outcome for Joshua. “He wanted to go full-time, but I encouraged him to do the school-based apprenticeship. I thought it was in his best interest to stay for another 12 months in school and complete year 12. Then ramp up into full-time when he’s done. Because once you’re in, you’re in,” Gavin said.

“You get to finish school, you get to be around your mates, you don’t get to miss out on that stuff in your final year. I try to encourage that. I think the transition’s just a bit smoother.”

And for Joshua, being able to find that balance between school and learning a trade has helped him to engage with school, knowing he has that transition to full-time work to look forward to.

“It’s been great. It’s cool to break up the school week with a day at work. I know this is the career path I want to take, so to get that started now and be able to finish year 12, it just makes sense.”

“It doesn’t feel like an extra workload at all. I think it makes it easier for me to get through school. My teachers are cool with it, it works for my employer, I’m just looking forward to going full-time with my apprenticeship when I’ve completed year 12.”

Head Start’s Industry Coordinator Damien Badowski agrees that school-based apprenticeships provide a practical option for employers who aren’t ready to commit to a full-time employee.

“It’s about building that holistic job recruitment piece. It’s about working with the employer and communicating with the parent or carer and determining the pathway towards what the student wants to achieve,” Mr Badowski said.

“From the student’s point of view, they are starting to work slowly towards that qualification without having that burden of just joining the workforce straight away, which we know some students aren’t quite ready to do. And it also keeps them engaged in the schooling system. They stay linked to their schoolwork, to study, to their social network and their school careers advisors. We find that slow introduction into the workforce can be a far better fit than for someone who’s quitting school to work five days a week and then falling over after three months.”

Conclusion

Sue Black says encouraging employers to consider school-based apprenticeships, and particularly young women in traditionally male-dominated trades, can help address labour shortages in industries like painting, tiling, concreting and bricklaying. She says she’ll continue to promote and support the Head Start program every chance she gets. And that for students like Joshua, the pathway provides a real-life head start towards a career in the trades.

“Whatever time they’ve done in training, say its 24 months during years 11 and 12, they’ll get 12 months off their full-time apprenticeship. And they’ve been earning money for those two years as well. It’s a win for the student and a more flexible option for employers who are keen to give the right young student a chance.”

Gavin Meiklejohn values the relationship he’s built with Sue and Mas National over many years. He says it’s been key to him being able to find young people who will fit in within a work culture based on family values.

“It’s about having known Sue over a long period. She’s a great lady and she knows what I’m looking for in an apprentice. She’s always honest, always good with the guys when signing them up. She just knows what she’s doing. I’ve encouraged my best mate who’s a builder to go with the school-based apprentice program. I’d happily tell other plumber mates to give it a go.”