Many students will receive their first-round university offers tomorrow (December 20), but Apprenticeship Support Australia is encouraging parents, business owners and students to consider alternatives, such as apprenticeships and traineeships, instead.
ASA South Australian General Manager Peter Adams says it’s important to keep in mind that not all students will want to go to university, and parents and other influencers should consider the student’s interests and strengths when discussing career options.
With a high youth unemployment rate in South Australia and the Business SA Survey of Business Expectations showing a constant demand for skilled labour, students should be encouraged to consider trade or apprenticeship-based pathways.
“We’re facing a national skills shortage across a range of industries and we know not all young people want to spend the next three or four years studying at university,” Mr Adams said. “We need to encourage young people to consider all the available career options, and that could include a traineeship or apprenticeship.”
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research has found 81 per cent of students who follow the apprenticeship pathway are likely to be in paid employment by the time they finish studying, compared to 71 per cent for university students.
Despite the statistics, the Federal Government’s Department of Jobs and Small Business this year found ongoing skills shortages in nursing, education, automotive, construction and engineering industries.
“The completion of an apprenticeship or traineeship in one of these areas can be a fasttracked option for young people to gain a nationally-recognised qualification while gaining valuable work experience and avoid joining the growing number of young unemployed and underemployed people,” he said.
The State Government has committed $100 million to Skilling South Australia, which aims to create more than 20,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships. Funding will go towards projects, determining future workforce needs and helping young people buy equipment.
Hundreds of apprenticeships and traineeships are available throughout the state across almost every industry, from childcare and IT to more traditional trades such as plumbing, electrical and carpentry.
Mr Adams said while there will be more university offers next year, it’s a good opportunity for young people to consider what they really want to do, the outcomes they’re looking for, and what makes them happy.
“People can be happier working outside than in an office or studying at an institution while gaining an economic head-start in life. A strong ATAR doesn’t guarantee success. If young people follow their passions, are engaged, and have a higher sense of wellbeing, they’re more likely to have a successful career.”
To learn more about careers in trades and apprentices, visit
www.skillsroad.com.au,
www.apprenticeshipscentre.com.au or call 1300 363 831.
For further information or to arrange an interview please call Verity Edwards on 0412 678 942.
19 December 2018