Protect Apprentices' Jobs

At the end of 2009, the Building and Construction Industry in Tasmania constituted around 8% of Tasmania’s workforce with some 1,900 apprentices in training. 

With the recent fall of employment by 2,000 and industry activity heading deeper into a downturn, activity is expected to fall by some $480 million or 20% over the next few years.

All sectors are expected to be affected, with the Commercial Construction sector due to be the worst hit. Tough times ahead seem certain.

Tasmania currently has record numbers of apprentices in training (approx. 2,000) and most are first and second year apprentices.

Every effort must be made to protect their employment as some businesses have already gone into administration and more pain is expected now that the Building Education Revolution (B.E.R.) projects are being wound up.

These young people are the future of our industry, with expectations that they will fill a vital role as the Baby Boomers retire over the next 3 to 4 years.  Their future prospects are being seriously exposed by this recent downturn.  

Government and industry need to act now to prevent a major industry catastrophe, with implications for the wider community.

• For more information on Training in Construction and to read Members' Stories go to Training above.

• Download the CFMEU's 10 Point Plan to avert skill shortages: Apprentices Deserve Better.
• NEW!  TAS Bluey Dec 2011 pp 6-7: on Government's budget decision to end the Tasmanian Trainee & Apprentice Incentive Scheme: "Apprentices of little consequence in Govt's effort to generate savings".