{
  "id": 3105726,
  "title": "Low pay, poor conditions drive apprenticeship dropouts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/low-pay-poor-conditions-drive-apprenticeship-dropouts",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-24T20:32:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-25/apprentices-dropping-out-before-completing-their-four-years/107066728"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent analysis reveals that one-half of all apprentices and trainees discontinue their programs before completion. The primary factors contributing to this high dropout rate include low wages, challenging workplace environments, inadequate guidance, inflexible training schedules, and extended travel times to training sites. Federation University is collaborating with schools and businesses to expose young individuals to a broader array of career options prior to entering an apprenticeship or traineeship.\n\nAccording to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, 52 percent of apprentices and trainees who commenced their training in 2020 failed to finish within the four-year timeframe. The latest data indicates a 8.6 percent decrease in active apprenticeship and traineeship contracts throughout 2025, with an even more significant 17.1 percent reduction in non-trade contracts.\n\nAmong those who abandoned their programs prematurely, around 85 percent expressed that additional assistance could have enabled them to successfully complete their training. The most frequently cited reasons for leaving were changes in employment or workplace conditions.\n\nKira Clarke, who oversees employment, education, and training policy at the Brotherhood of St Laurence, attributes the dropout issue to a variety of financial and workplace pressures. She highlights that low wages, inflexible training timelines, rigid structures, and insufficient employer support and mentorship are among the key challenges.\n\nFurthermore, many apprentices lack a clear understanding of the available job opportunities and training pathways. Clarke emphasizes that limited exposure to diverse career options, often influenced by family roles, teacher recommendations, and the immediate community, contributes to career indecision and anxiety among young apprentices.\n\nEmeritus Professor Erica Smith from Federation University stresses that the daily work experience is the primary determinant of whether an apprentice completes their program. She argues that apprenticeships are jobs, and people frequently leave jobs. Professor Smith advocates for improved data collection on apprentices' daily experiences to better understand their motivations and struggles.\n\nProfessor Smith calls for more comprehensive efforts to enhance completion rates, moving beyond the superficial analysis of workforce demand. She suggests a shift in perspective, treating apprenticeships as opportunities for people. Smith proposes implementing \"earn-and-learn\" models that combine academic study with paid work and paid work, offering additional support such as well-being services, literacy and numeracy assistance, scholarships, and essential meals. These measures are particularly vital in regional areas, where vocational pathways are essential for satisfying labor demands across both trade and non-trade industries.\n\nPro Vice-Chancellor of VET and pathways at Federation University, Darren Gray, emphasizes the importance of \"earn-and-learn\" models, which allow students to earn income while gaining practical work experience. He believes that such models are crucial, especially in light of the increasing cost-of-living pressures, particularly for students balancing work, family, and study commitments. Gray adds that these supportive models can make a significant difference for apprentices who are facing competing pressures, potentially leading to either early exit or successful completion of their qualifications.",
  "summary": "New research shows apprenticeships are declining, and about half drop out before completing their four years.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}