CommentaryPolicy & ReformTop Story
It’s time to end the apprentice hunger games
A wall of inequality was built into our post-schooling system decades ago, and today its legacy has left us with an educational caste system of haves and have-nots.
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Nick you make a number of valid observations here about the way the respective systems work and are funded.
It should be noted though that Rebecca will be linked with an Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP) who will assist her throughout her apprenticeship and ensure that the Training Contract with the employer is properly formed. She will also have access to a Trade Support Loan in addition to her apprenticeship pay if she wants it.
You are right to compare the experience of the employers in two arrangements. The apprentice employer is expected to pay the enrolment fees under a Modern Award which can be as high as $3,800.
Another major difference is how the funding of Training Providers has diverged over the last decade. Investment in the VET system has declined in real terms by 19% whilst public investment in Higher education has increased by about 10%.