The Changing Situation of Electrical Apprentices: Submission to the Modern Award Review, Fair Work Australia

Abstract

This research on apprentice wages was commissioned by the Electrical Trades Union. Two key research questions informed this research: Are electrical apprentice wages, particularly those set in modern awards, appropriate in light of the changing age demographics of apprentices? What role do wages, amongst other factors, contribute to apprentice completion rates? The research found that award wage rates do not adequately reflect skill levels or financial requirements of contemporary electrical apprentices. Historically, apprentices were early school leavers supported by their parents while in training. Examination of the 2011 Census data indicates that many electrical apprentices are older, may have families, and are likely to have completed their high school certificate. Yet electrical apprentice award rates are slightly above welfare payments (the Newstart allowance) and mostly below the Henderson Poverty Line. The research found apprentices experienced living difficulties due to their low rates of pay-debt was easy to accumulate and a number left their apprenticeship as a result of the low wages. To overcome these problems an examination of apprentice's award wages is required.