Hunter Unions has urged young people to share their experiences going from school into vocational training and on to employment.
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The state government launched a parliamentary inquiry into these matters last month, but Hunter Unions was concerned that the most important voices had not yet been heard.
“Unions in the region are concerned that young workers will not come forward and make a submission,” Hunter Unions organiser Leigh Shears said.
“They simply don’t know that the inquiry exists or how the outcomes could help shape their lives.”
The inquiry aims to determine what factors influence students’ decisions about vocational education and the role public and private providers have.
The terms of reference also question to what extent industry participates in the vocational education and training sector, including the provision of sustainable employment opportunities for graduates.
Since the government has moved morning training out of TAFE, the inquiry also asks if there has been an effect on school-based apprentices under Smart & Skilled.
“We are encouraging young learners to make a submission regarding the obstacles to entering and completing study and the success linking there study to full time meaningful employment,” Mr Shears said.
Hunter Valley Training Company CEO Sharon Smith said it was harder than ever for school leavers to gain an apprenticeship.
The group training organisation co-ordinates the trade studies on behalf of employers.
“For places that would normally put on 20, 30 or 50 apprentices, they’re putting on two,” she said.
“But we’re still getting 800 applications for one position.”
This decrease in apprenticeships has been matched with a rise in pre-apprenticeship courses designed to make participants stand out.
HVTC has responded with its Youth Employment Skills program that has already found five of the 15 participants’ a job, but will be out of pocket if it can’t find them all employment through the balance of their apprenticeships.
Hunter Unions has offered to help any young people who wish to make a submission if they contact Newcastle Trades Hall Council on 4926 1177.
Vocational guidance undervalued, says CEO
The skills shortage continues to grow, according to Hunter Valley Training Company CEO Sharon Smith, because vocational education is under valued.
“For too long the focus on university in high schools has been too strong,” Ms Smith said.
The parliamentary inquiry into vocational education asks why people choose a trade.
“We probably need to start getting children interested in vocational training even at a primary school age,” she said.
Chris Turner was plucked out of a pre-trades electrical course at the Rutherford skills centre to join HVTC’s accelerated apprenticeship program.
He turned down university study in information technology to become an electrician and Hunter Water will now pay for the balance of his apprenticeship.
