Business owners are being asked to keep a vigilant eye on the well being of their apprentices this winter to help boost retention.
The advice follows a warning from a leading apprenticeship organisation that the cold dark months and financial stress could be disproportionally affecting young workers.
Apprenticeships Are Us Ltd (ARU) says a growing number of Australian apprentices are reporting significant mental health challenges during winter, with financial stress and harsh situational working conditions contributing to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout.
ARU Apprentice Employment Manager Dennis Rodgers said the organisation has seen a noticeable uptick in apprentices struggling with their mental health this year.
“Tradies usually start work early in the morning, which means getting out of bed when it’s still dark and heading out into freezing conditions,” Rodgers says.
“Most spend their day on construction sites or in workshops, often working outdoors and exposed to the elements, which can really take a toll during winter.”
Financial stress
In addition to the temperature, financial pressure is a major concern, particularly for first-year apprentices who earn between $26,800 and $29,400 per year.
“These young workers are forced to make tough choices about basic living costs. On top of that, they’re expected to invest thousands of dollars into mandatory tools they need just to do their job,” Mr Rodgers explained.
Research shows that more than 40 per cent of apprentices take on second jobs to help cover rising expenses, resulting in burnout.
“Their mental and physical health is deteriorating under these pressures, leading to burnout, lower training outcomes, and greater emotional distress,” he said.
Retention concerns
New data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) highlights the broader issue facing the sector:
- A 17.4 per cent drop in trade apprenticeship commencements
- A nationwide 60 per cent non-completion rate for apprenticeships
Rodgers warns that unless systemic changes are made, Australia’s already critical skills shortage could worsen.
“We’re at real risk of losing the next generation of skilled workers altogether, and our skills shortage worsening. Many young people are simply walking away from apprenticeships because they can’t see a viable path forward — financially or mentally.”
Help available
One program that may help stem the dropout rates is the Federal Government’s planned Key Apprentice Program.
Under the program, apprentices would receive five increments of $2000 on top of their wages, totally in $10,000.
The first payment would come after the first six months of the apprenticeship, and the last one would come upon completion.
There are also numerous resources available that can help young tradespeople who may be affected by their mental health.
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