Adult apprenticeships can enable people to pursue their dream career – regardless of their age or current job.
Whether they’re hoping to completely change professions or simply gain more qualifications in their current area of work, adult apprenticeships are a way for people to learn new skills and build confidence.
Wendy Powell, senior industry training consultant at BUSY At Work, said there a number of reasons why people might decide to go for an adult apprenticeship.
“Some adult apprentices are motivated by a career change while others would like to gain a formerly recognised qualification in their current industry,” she explained.
But Wendy acknowledged that an adult apprenticeship can be a difficult decision for many people to make, particularly as they might have a number of responsibilities.
Continuing to do a course when there are mortgage payments to be made or families to support is tough, she added, which may cause concerns to some individuals.
The good news is that there is funding available to make life easier for those who take the plunge and BUSY At Work strives to ensure all parties involved are aware of these incentives.
Under the Support for Adult Australian Apprenticeships (SAAA) scheme, employers are encouraged to take on workers aged over 25 for training purposes.
To be eligible for SAAA, people need to be completing a Certificate III or IV level in a trade qualification that is experiencing a trade shortage.
Relaying this information is a key part of Wendy’s job, as well as providing help and guidance with filling in the various legal documentation that goes along with an adult apprenticeship.
“We need to let the employer and the apprentices know the benefits of doing an apprenticeship,” she said. “Particularly with older workers where it may be more daunting.”
So what exactly are the advantages for the employer?
Well, there are financial incentives, which include money for the apprentice signing on, plus additional payments in regional or rural areas where there is a lack of skills in a certain sector.
Furthermore, there is money available once the apprentice finishes the course and gains their qualification.
And, according to Wendy, companies may be encouraged to take on more apprentices once they recognise the benefits of upskilling staff.
”The more trade-qualified workers they have, the more apprentices they can take on.”
