With the decline in the number of apprentices finishing trades, it has become clear that the system needs fixing rather than simply throwing money at it.

Partner at JTs Ladies & Men’s Hairstylist Clint Harris told Julie-Anne Sprague on 6PR Afternoons that the formats of contracts have changed and are now the main issue with retention of apprentices.  

“Since that system has changed and allowed the apprentice to basically leave as a second year and start somewhere else as a second year, it’s created a massive issue with a lot of poaching going on,” Mr Harris said.

“There shouldn’t be an apprentice that’s  not attached to an employer, unless there’s some sort of circumstances for that to happen.”

Press PLAY to find out how the apprentice retention challenges are impacting the industry

Image: Canva