Demand High For Skilled Tradies

Sun Herald

Sunday January 20, 2008

By Keeli Cambourne

AUSTRALIA is still in the grip of a national skills shortage and for those considering a career in the building trade there are plenty of jobs from which to choose.

The Department of Education and Workplace Relations says there are not enough apprentices in boat building, plastering, floor finishing, plumbing, electrical work, painting and carpentry.

In NSW, apprentices have to undertake a study program through a registered training organisation, like TAFE NSW, and on-the-job experience with an employer.

Finding an employer to take on an apprentice can be hard work, but there are now a number of organisations which can make the job easier.

The Master Builders Association NSW Group Training Organisation recruits up to about 100 apprentices a year, depending on the amount of work in the industry at the time.

MBA apprentices are assigned to host employers in the housing, commercial and industrial sectors of the industry.

"Apprentice applicants may be year 10 or year 12 school leavers or adults seeking a career in the building and construction industry," says Mark Goodchild, MBA NSW career centre manager.

Applicants must first apply to the MBA and those who make it through the first stage are required to sit an assessment test in English, mathematics, basic reasoning and general knowledge.

Apprenticeships offered through MBA NSW include bricklaying, cabinetmaking, carpentry and joinery, landscaping, metal fabricating, painting and decorating, plastering, plumbing, gasfitting and roof plumbing, shopfitting, and slate and roof tiling.

Federal Government-funded Australian Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age and do not require entry qualifications.

They are offered both part- and full-time and are available in a variety of certificate levels that lead to nationally recognised qualifications. "Australian Apprenticeships Centres provide information, administration services and support to employers and apprentices," said Peter Giesinger of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

DID YOU KNOW?

Over the past six years the four industries of construction, property and business services, health and community services and retail trade have dominated new job growth.

JOHN RUDGE

JOHN RUDGE can lay claim to being one of the best electrician's apprentices in the world.

Last year Rudge represented Australia in the World Skills Olympics in Japan and picked up a silver medal in electrical installations.

The now qualified electrician has always been a go-getter, deciding in year 10 that he wanted to learn a trade.

During year 12, Rudge sent his resume{aac} to companies in the Bathurst area, where he lived, hoping to secure an apprenticeship. A company suggested he join a group training organisation from which they hired their apprentices. Soon after signing on, he secured an apprenticeship.

"If you are prepared to commit yourself to something, you can get an apprenticeship," Rudge says.

© 2008 Sun Herald

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