Minister joins industry leaders for launch of ASA’s unprecedented research report

The Hon. Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training, joined industry leaders in Sydney on Monday 3 August, to discuss the future of Australia's apprenticeship system and the importance of supporting apprentices and trainees throughout their journey. 

Released by Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA), the National First Year Experience Report captures the experiences of more than 12,000 current and former apprentices and trainees across Australia, providing one of the most comprehensive insights ever undertaken into the first-year apprenticeship experience. 

Key findings reveal what drives apprentice success 

The research found that while most apprentices are highly motivated to complete their qualification, their early experiences significantly influence whether they remain engaged and continue their training. Key findings include: 

• Around 76% of apprentices had not considered leaving their apprenticeship or traineeship. 
• Apprentices experiencing sadness, anxiety or worry were 65% more likely to consider leaving their training. 
• 55% of respondents reported being significantly affected by cost-of-living pressures. 
• Only 49% of apprentices and trainees said they received balanced information about all career pathway options while at school. 
• Apprentices who felt cared for and supported in the workplace were 28% less likely to consider leaving. 

The findings demonstrate the importance of supportive workplaces, quality supervision and early intervention in improving apprentice retention and completion outcomes. 

From left to right; David Aird first year apprentice at I-Build, Lena Constantine, Director of Apprenticeship Support Australia and Executive Leader at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCIWA), Dr Nigel Palmer, Senior Policy Manager, Skills and Education at Business NSW, Danielle Buckley, Registered Psychologist and coaching psychology specialist and The Hon. Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training.

Panel explores opportunities for industry action 

As part of the launch event, attendees heard from a panel who explored the report's findings and discussed opportunities to strengthen Australia's apprenticeship system. 
The panel featured: 

• The Hon. Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training 
• Lena Constantine, Director of Apprenticeship Support Australia and Executive Leader at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCIWA). 
• Dr Nigel Palmer, Senior Policy Manager, Skills and Education at Business NSW. 
• Danielle Buckley, Registered Psychologist and coaching psychology specialist. 

A roadmap for improving retention 

The report outlines several recommendations aimed at improving apprentice completion rates, including: 

• Strengthening first-year mentoring and support programs. 
• Improving connections between work-based learning and formal training. 
• Ensuring apprentices have access to early wellbeing support. 
• Providing better career advice and pathway information for young people before they enter training. 

ASA Chief Executive Officer Lee Xavier said the findings provide a clear evidence base to help industry, government and training providers better support apprentices during the most critical stage of their journey. 

"The message from apprentices and trainees is clear: most want to succeed, but the quality of their early experience matters. This report shows where support is working, where it is falling short and what needs to change." 

The event provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to come together, share perspectives and discuss how the findings can be translated into meaningful action that improves outcomes for apprentices, employers and industry alike.