Electrical apprenticeship revolution becomes reality

A new trial electrical apprenticeship model will revolutionise the current system, according to the national Industry Skills Council, EE-Oz Training Standards.

The pilot apprentice progression management system, announced by Skills Minister Chris Evans, will be run by the national Industry Skills Council (EE-Oz Training Standards) with the support of peak employer bodies (the National Electrical and Communications Association and Master Electricians Australia) and the union (the Electrical Trades Union).

Among many key changes, the new program will see electrical apprentices shift from rigid time-based progression to a new competency-based progression model. EE-Oz Training Standards CEO Bob Taylor said the new program will pave the way for Australia to meet the booming demand for electricians. “This is a truly historic moment for our apprenticeship system,” Taylor said.

“The severity of skills shortages in our sector and the increasing number of mature apprentices has necessitated a comprehensive rethink of apprentice training. Currently around a third of those who start an electrical apprenticeship end up not completing, which represents a huge cost to industry and an equally huge waste of government resources. This new trial system will focus on providing the individual with the support they need to progress through their training.

“All key stakeholders are participating and working cooperatively so industry can have confidence in the outcomes of the training and know that apprentices are ready to contribute to the workforce in a safe and productive manner the day they become a qualified tradesperson.

“Under this pilot, training an electrical apprentice will now be based on the individual’s development and the application of their knowledge and skill. This replaces the existing model, which relies on a set period of time. Industry oversight will ensure that flexible progression does not weaken outcomes.

“Industry will now be able to assist registered training organisations through the collection and validation of on-the-job evidence. At the same time, new, national training outcomes, including the development of a national electronic question bank to assess apprentices, will ensure that there is a consistent standard applied across the country, while providing students with the flexibility they need to complete this assessment at any time.

“This trial program will benefit industry by engaging more electricians with appropriate training. It will benefit students by providing flexibility and support. It will benefit the economy, by encouraging more electrical apprentices to start and, most importantly, to finish their training.”

The pilot will include 1000 electrical apprentices in the first year and 1500 in the second, almost 20% of the forecast apprentice intake in 2014. It will be conducted at trial sites around the country.