For decades now, BUSY At Work has supported industry and workplace skills needs by championing apprenticeships. With that experience comes data-driven expertise and BUSY is recognised as a leading Australian provider, assisting businesses retain quality apprentices.
We’re Hitting the Road in NSW
The ‘Get BUSY’ ute is touring across New South Wales, ready to deliver hands-on apprenticeship support wherever is most convenient for business – whether that be the worksite, office or wherever suits.
They are on a mission to cut through your admin, lift the pressure and get you back to what you do best: your trade business.
To find out more about the Get BUSY Roadshow and the apprenticeship support available to workplaces, ABC Radio sat down with Cassandra Horan, General Manager of Australian Apprenticeship Support Services at BUSY At Work. The discussion addressed some of the concerns including the growing rate of non-completion for apprentices, industry skills shortages and how better to support apprentices and employers.
Cassandra stated, “There are three main areas that are impacting apprentice non-completions and these are cost of living, low wages and potential breakdown between the employer and apprentice. These are very general reasons but usually its employer-related challenges, apprentice-related challenges and some training-related challenges. We want to address and support employers so that they understand their obligations in developing their apprentices.”
During the interview Cassandra detailed some of the issues impacting retention rates of apprentices, including young cohorts not prepared for what a full-time job is really like and ensuring employers have the right fit for the role.
“That was one of the biggest reasons for the Get BUSY Roadshow, really getting out there and talking to communities, talking to job seekers, talking to young people about what a day in the life of these roles look like, so we can really help equip them,” Cassandra further stated.
With the growing skills shortage and forecast housing needs in New South Wales, there is a real need to employ and retain more apprentices in trade workplaces. With mostly small to medium sized businesses employing apprentices, the investment in an apprentice, particularly those first two years, is large and engaging the apprentice and retaining those skills is therefore crucial.
Cassandra said, “I think particularly in New South Wales with the housing target, we need another 83,000 tradespeople by 2029, so the skills shortage is persistent but its intensifying.
“We really need to be out there talking to school students about careers, where it doesn’t have to be an education or a vocational pathway – you can do both! Trade pathways are also really great options, you are earning while learning, there’s potential for great income down the track and you will likely never be without a job.”
Increasing retention rates for apprentices is crucial to industry and that’s where BUSY At Work can assist. As Cassandra emphasised, “For small to medium-sized businesses, looking after apprentices isn’t their core business, it’s looking after their trade. We (BUSY) have the skills and expertise to be able to support them with that and reach out to them directly in their community to help them with anything from signing up the apprentice, making sure everyone knows their obligations, but also really supporting them all the way through so if things do get a little shaky and they need to engage our mentoring team to help them out with some challenges they’re having, we’re there!”
You can listen to the full ABC Radio interview here:
Book a time with the Get BUSY Roadshow Team!
With two massive roadshows this year, be sure to reach out and book your site visit and connect with expert support for your apprenticeship staffing needs. We will be touring:
- Northern Roadshow: Monday, 25 August – Friday, 3 October
- Southern Roadshow: Monday, 20 October – Friday, 28 November
We make our visits fun, handing out drinks and merchandise to your team, as well as providing helpful resources and advice on apprenticeships for your business.
With minimal disruption to your day, let us come to you and answer all your questions!
Or call Toby Fewre on 0436 382 584 or email toby.fewre@busyatwork.com.au to discuss options.