Skip to main content

We're Here to Help: Agencies Dealing with Apprenticeships in Australia

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

In Australia, approximately 3.5% of the working population is employed in apprenticeships and their newer counterparts, traineeships (both of these are combined under the title of ‘Australian apprenticeships’). While apprenticeships were originally intended for young school leavers, they are now open to people of all ages and to part-time as well as full-time workers. The huge growth in numbers, over 300% since the mid-1990s, has been the result of very conscious planning and financial investment by the Australian Government. This paper, using data drawn from a series of research projects, analyses the different agencies that help to promote and manage the apprenticeship system. The paper points out both positive and negative effects of the large numbers of agencies involved.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    Although many traineeships are at higher AQF levels, this image persists from the early days, when traineeships tended to be at Certificate II level.

References

  • Brennan Kemmis, R.; Smith, E.; O’Meara, B. 2006. Evaluation of NSW ‘HSC On Line’ web pages for VET Curriculum Frameworks. Charles Sturt University, HSC OnLine management committee.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dumbrell, T.; Smith, E. 2007. Pre-apprenticeships in Three Key Trades. Adelaide: National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

    Google Scholar 

  • Favero, J. 2003. Quality training: Challenges for teachers of workplace training for trainees and apprentices. Changing Face of VET: 6th Annual Conference of the Australian VET Research Association, Sydney, 9–11 April.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hill, A.; Dalley-Tim, L. 2008. Hanging in there: what makes a difference in the first year of an apprenticeship. Youth Studies Australia, 27(1), 36–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hood, S.; Fung, H.; Smith, E.; Bush, A.; Ride, L. 2007. Review of the Joint Group Training Program. Canberra: Department of Education, Science & Training (DEST).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirby, P. (Chair). 1985. Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Labour Market Programs. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service.

    Google Scholar 

  • Misko, J.; Patterson, J.; Markotic, R. 2001. The value of on-the-job traineeships. In N. Smart, ed. Australian Apprenticeships: Research Readings. Adelaide: NCVER, pp. 155–179.

    Google Scholar 

  • NCVER. 2004. Australian Vocational Education and Training Statistics: Apprentices and Trainees, December 2003. Adelaide: NCVER.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, C. 2001. Australian Apprenticeships: Facts, Fiction and Future. Adelaide: NCVER.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schofield, K. 1999. Independent Investigation into the Quality of Training in Queensland’s Traineeship System: Final Report: 2 July 1999. Brisbane: Queensland Department of Employment, Training and Industrial Relations.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, E. 2002. Theory and practice: the contribution of off-the-job training to the development of apprentices and trainees. Journal of VET, 54(3), 431–453.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, E. 2004. Learning to learn through work? The importance of Australian apprenticeship and traineeship policies in young workers’ learning careers. Australian Educational Researcher, 31(1), 15–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, E.; Keating, J. 2003. From Training Reform to Training Packages. Tuggerah Lakes, NSW: Social Science Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, E.; Pickersgill, R.; Smith, A.; Rushbrook, P. 2005. Enterprises’ Commitment to Nationally Recognised Training for Existing Workers. Adelaide: NCVER.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, E.; Comyn, P.; Brennan Kemmis, R.; Smith, A. Identifying the characteristics of high quality traineeships. NCVER nationally competitive grant (in progress).

    Google Scholar 

  • Snell, D.; Hart, A. 2007. Vocational training in Australia: is there a link between attrition and quality? Education + Training, 49(6), 500–512.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walters, C. 2003. Keynote address. Changing face of VET: 6th Annual Conference of the Australian VET Research Association. Sydney, 9–11 April.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Erica Smith .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Smith, E. (2010). We're Here to Help: Agencies Dealing with Apprenticeships in Australia. In: Smith, E., Rauner, F. (eds) Rediscovering Apprenticeship. Technical and Vocational Education and Training: Issues, Concerns and Prospects, vol 11. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3116-7_10

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics