Building winning workforces with Australian Apprentices

1 May, 2017

For over 30 years, MEGT has been helping Australian organisations develop winning workforces. We know that recruiting apprentices and trainees is an excellent way to get the expertise your business needs and to keep your team engaged and focused.

According to a recent survey, we’re not the only ones - 88% of employers think apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce!*


Australian Apprenticeships – more than just trade qualifications

Did you know - in Australia, apprenticeships are no longer limited to traditional trade occupations? In fact, the term Australian Apprenticeship is now used to describe both apprenticeships and traineeships.

These days, apprentices can choose to study engineering, automotive and more. Trainees can undertake qualifications in business, retail, financial services, and more. This means that no matter what industry you’re in, your business can benefit from an Australian Apprentice.

Australian Apprenticeships are also no longer just for school-leavers. Apprentices and trainees can also be adult employees who wish to formalise their skills, re-enter the workforce or change career.


Engaging your workforce and improving retention

Providing accredited training to your staff is one of the leading ways you can improve staff motivation and satisfaction. Not only are you increasing the skills and knowledge base of your workforce, but you are showing your employees you are willing to invest in their future.

In the same survey we mentioned earlier, 80% of employers reported that apprenticeships reduced staff turnover.* Retention rates for apprentices and trainees are often high as there is a sense of loyalty for the organisation supporting and encouraging them to gain new skills and an accredited qualification.


Be an organisation people want to work for, and clients want to work with

These days being an Employer of Choice is about more than winning industry awards and being financially successful. Now it is about becoming an organisation people will choose to work for and clients will choose to work with. We’ve discussed how apprenticeships and traineeships make your business more desirable employees, but what about your clients?

According to a recent survey^, consumers are more likely to favour organisations who hire apprentices and trainees. In fact:

  • Consumers are willing to pay a price premium when they know companies are investing in local jobs and skills through apprenticeships
  • One in ten consumers surveyed said they would be more likely to visit a store and make a purchase if they knew that a business employed apprentices
  • Further, a quarter of consumers (25%) said that they would be more or much more likely to pay extra for goods and services offered by businesses and organisations employing apprentices

The best bit?

The Australian Government pays financial incentives to eligible employers who hire apprentices and trainees. When you choose to recruit through MEGT, our team of apprenticeship experts can help you determine your eligibility for Government incentives.


* Source: https://www.babington.co.uk/blog/apprenticeships/10-reasons-to-hire-an-apprentice/

^ Source: https://www.cebr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/The-Benefits-of-Apprenticeships-to-Businesses.pdf