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APPRENTICE CORNER
32 E L EC TR I C AL CONNEC T I ON
AU T UMN 20 1 7
L
isten to any FM radio station on
your way to work and you will
notice a recurring theme. Ad
after ad spruiks courses in massage
therapy, audio engineering, aged care
and the like; it seems like every second
person is becoming a personal trainer or
barista nowadays.
This should be a wake-up call for the
electrical industry. We need to get to grips
with the fact that there are a lot more
vocational options than ever before for
today’s youth. And not only are vocational
options increasing, other service
industries are investing in proactively
marketing themselves to young people.
So for the electrical industry to grow
its apprentice base, it has to embrace
the challenges of dynamically promoting
itself to the best young people with the
practical and intellectual capabilities
needed to thrive. This will ensure a high
industry standard is maintained and
the ever-increasing demand for sparkies
can be met.
The demand for sparkies is
increasing due to economic growth
and senior workers retiring at an ever
increasing rate. National data suggests
the number of sparkies coming through
the ranks appears to be either stagnant
or decreasing.
This is despite the great selling points
that are bandied about for an electrical
career. It generally pays well; there is an
abundance of work in most areas; job
security; and, transferable skills. Even
more attractive is the possibility for a
FOR SCHOOL-LEAVERS AROUND
THE COUNTRY WHO DON’T
WISH TO PURSUE A UNIVERSITY
CAREER, BEING AN ELECTRICIAN
IS A VERY PROMISING CAREER. IT
JUST TURNS OUT THAT NOBODY
REMEMBERED TO TELL THE
STUDENTS THAT.
THE GREAT APPRENTICESHIP
SHAKE-UP