Many young Aussies are quitting their apprenticeship jobs due to the lack of funds to support their everyday costs.
For over 15 years, apprenticeship training organization Apprenticeships Are Us has been providing automotive students with training.
Unfortunately, due to the rising cost of living, over 60% of these individuals are dropping out of their training programs.
This issue could threaten the industry’s skills shortage.
Jake, from NSW’s Southern Highlands, is currently working on an automotive apprenticeship and is about to drop out of the program due to the lack of funds.
He told news.com.au he doesn’t have enough money to live on and would like to move into his own home. He said that he struggles with his low wages and the rising cost of living.
He noted that due to the rising cost of fuel, he has no money left. He said that he now makes decisions based on what he earns instead of what he wants to do with his life.
For instance, if he had a choice, he’d like to move out and buy a nicer car.
Although Jake doesn’t want to drop out, he’s unsure if he can afford to continue.
He knows that if he continues, he’ll be able to get a job that’s lucrative, but it’ll take him three years to be fully qualified.
Among his friends, he said that supporting themselves on low wages can be very hard.
Currently, he’s earning around $30,000 as an apprentice while working as a FIFO worker.
Although he would love to continue his trade, he doesn’t want to fall behind.
He noted that the rising cost of housing and other factors are making it hard for him to achieve his goals.
Jake’s dream of buying a classic car has become unattainable since the value of such vehicles continues to increase.
According to Mr Cooksey, many apprentices in Sydney are turning to casual, contract, or immediate employment as a short-term solution to their financial problems.
