October 1, 2008

Letter to the Editor

Australian and Canadian apprenticeship systems face similar challenges

To the editor,
It is with interest that I read Alison Rougeau’s column “Negative perceptions of apprenticeship training need to change,” from the July 30 issue of the Journal of Commerce.

As an Australian/Victorian/Melbourne carpentry trade teacher, we too often get the wrong messages and perceptions sent to the trades in relation to trade training.

For too long now, trades have been considered the “poorer cousin” in deciding a life vocation.

Decisions now being made for the Australian apprenticeship system, (it being similar to the system in Canada) seem to be made by those with less of an understanding of trades thinking. 

Rogeau’s replies to the two misconceptions are valid (even in this far flung part of the world) and hold true.

It is, and has been thought for a while now that trades are the new rich, in some part due to the booming economy and the shortage of skilled trades persons to cover such a wide area of construction.

Many apprentices here at my polytechnic earn more in their 4th year of apprenticeship than I do as a teacher with nearly 10 years’ experience.

The learning styles of most apprentices must also be taken into consideration.

Many learn through moving, doing and touching. These students learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the physical world around.

These apprentices are kinesthetic learners and need a practical learning approach.

I believe many apprentices chose a trade because they have had enough of college and the traditional learning systems and want to be practical.

The current apprenticeship system, as it stands, requires an apprentice who has left college to get a trade, to return to college to learn again.

Is this the reason some apprentices fail to complete their training?

Perhaps a more flexible or varied training approach needs to be looked at (but it’s not that easily achieved).

Employment, I believe, is another factor in career choice.

Unemployment as it stands is at one of it’s lowest percentages it’s been for 30 or so years and as such people can pick and choose well paying jobs without the need for training.

The area surrounding my polytechnic has an unemployment rate of just more than two per cent and, as such, the need for training or up skilling is not there.

Enrolments at my institute have reduced, albeit marginally, over recent years.

Many apprentices see their mates earning good money in jobs virtually straight out of school and are probably thinking why bother with a trade.

To those thinking of taking up a trade, go for it, stick at it and enjoy it.

For those in the trade, finish what you are doing to the best your ability.

Those skills will be with you for life and people will marvel at your ability.

The opportunities will be endless.

Malcolm Dawson

Carpentry Trade Teacher

Melbourne, Australia

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