Women workers face new barriers as ‘non-trade’ apprenticeship numbers plummet
A Federation University researcher has warned women face renewed barriers to secure jobs with training – as new data confirms a sharp decline in the number of Australians commencing ‘non-trade’ apprenticeships and traineeships.
The latest figures, released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, reveal a 14.1 per cent reduction in ‘non-trade’ apprenticeship and traineeships, continuing a downward trend since the March quarter of 2022.
The largest decreases were among sales workers (44.6 per cent), clerical and administrative workers (20.4 per cent) and community and personal service workers (7.9 per cent). Completions of ‘non-trade’ apprenticeships and traineeships also dropped by 11.1 per cent overall.
‘Non-trade’ apprenticeships are predominantly undertaken by women – in contrast to traditional ‘trade’ apprenticeships, which are largely dominated by men.
While there have been reductions in all ‘non-trade’ apprentice numbers, the largest decline has been in ‘traineeships’ – a shorter form of apprenticeships first introduced in the 1980s to increase the participation of women across the economy.
Emeritus Professor Erica Smith of Federation University, whose research was recently published in the Economic and Labour Relations Review, warns the sharp declines are the result of recent changes to government incentives – and are disproportionately harming women workers.
Since mid-2024, financial incentives for employers of most ‘non-trade’ apprentices and trainees have been cut, while extra rewards have been re-directed to employers and apprentices in male-dominated trades. Only female-dominated occupations in aged care and child care have escaped these cuts.
Professor Smith said that while disappointing, her research showed that it was inevitable that cuts in incentives would lead to lower numbers.
“This is the first time incentives for many occupations have been completely removed – and that has an impact on how many employers offer these opportunities and how many people can take them up,” Professor Smith said.
“While traditionally male trades apprenticeships continue to be recognised and rewarded – unfortunately the opposite is true for women.”
She said the changes to government incentives – and the subsequent decline in related apprenticeship commencements – were a backwards step in women’s economic participation.
“These incentives have always been modest – but they do help cover the extra costs of employing an apprentice or trainee. They also signal to employers that these traditionally female occupations are valued and valuable.”
“Cutting these incentives sends the opposite message.”
Professor Smith is a leader in the field of vocational education and training policy, and has undertaken many research projects on apprenticeships internationally, including for the OECD, the International Labour Organization and the World Bank.
Her latest research paper, which examines Australia’s public policy approach to apprenticeships since 1954, reveals that the nation’s current approach diverges significantly from those adopted by other nations.
“It’s sad to see Australian apprenticeship policy going back in time. These cuts will have a rapid and real effect on women and others working in non-trade occupations,” she said.