The release of the December 2014 quarter apprenticeship and trainee data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, highlighted that apprenticeship commencements were down 21.9% on the corresponding quarter a year earlier. These figures are “a cause for concern and action”, says the CEO of the National Electrical and Communications Association Mr Suresh Manickam.

“Figures showing a decline of 192,000 apprenticeship commencements and 157,100 less completions over the corresponding year clearly require attention,” Mr Manickam said.

“While Electrotechnology apprenticeship commencements continue to strongly contribute to the overall take-up of Technical and Trade Workers apprenticeships, NECA notes the drop off in numbers over the past year reinforces concerns about the skills shortage.

“A key challenge for the electrical contracting sector is the lack of skilled electrical workers. This is further exacerbated by the retirement of long term, highly skilled workers.

“Skills shortages can only lead to higher business costs which in turn get passed on to consumers.

“NECA acknowledges the work the Government has undertaken in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) space to reduce red tape and deliver higher quality training outcomes. However, these figures indicate the need of Governments across Australia to more heavily invest in skills and training initiatives including more advice provided to inform school students of industry needs and requirements,” said Mr Manickam.