Apprenticeships and ‘future work’: are we ready?

Abstract

The paper evaluates the readiness of apprenticeship systems to cope with five major developments affecting the future of work. The institution of apprenticeship has evolved over time in all countries, gradually adapting to changes in industrial processes, the economy, the labour market and education systems. This paper suggests, however, that recent changes in the economy and the labour market, and their concomitant effects on the likely future of work, have the potential to disrupt apprenticeship systems quite radically worldwide, and/or to make them less relevant in the 21st century. The paper draws on data from recent Australian and international research projects undertaken by the author, as well as the author’s engagement in Australian government exercises to discuss the future of apprenticeships. The research found that adaptations of systems and processes were being undertaken at company level and by stakeholders such as trade union or employer peak bodies. They were less frequently apparent, however, in government policy. The paper analyses the data to produce a framework of readiness for ‘future work’, but also queries whether adaptation of apprenticeship systems is necessarily desirable in all instances. Although the presence of multiple stakeholders in the system has previously been viewed as a strength of the system, it can also make even minor changes difficult to implement. This could prove to be a major impediment to apprenticeship’s future or could be a means of preserving its essential features.

The skill needs of the manufacturing industry: can higher education keep up?

“…While there are many jobseekers ready to take up these roles, they often lack the technical and digital competencies required for high technology automated manufacturing. A new style of apprenticeship may be the solution to this deficit (Hindman, 2016;Mulkeen et al, 2019;Smith, 2019). This will require HEIs to (re)evaluate the apprenticeship model of higher education.…”

Apprenticeship training curriculum: examining its negotiated design and the ensuing effects on learner engagement

“…Since its early importation to Australia as a framework for skills and knowledge transmission, apprenticeship training has provided an important cornerstone to the evolution of industry and the social fabric of Australian society (Knight, 2012). National governments and industry bodies rely on skilled tradespeople for production and economic growth (Smith, 2019;Commonwealth of Australia, 2011).…”

“…Australian apprenticeships are defined as a formalised training relationship between an employer, an apprentice, and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that leads to a qualification at the end of a nominal training period (Smith, 2019). Australian apprenticeship training arrangements require a training contract between an employer and their apprentice, as well as a training arrangement with a Registered…”

Apprenticeships: The problem of attractiveness and the hindrance of heterogeneity

“…Changes in the economy and society have also affected the attractiveness of apprenticeship. Industries that were once very important for employment, such as manufacturing, are becoming less so, with apprenticeship not always catching up with new industries and/or occupations (Smith, 2019). Indeed, the concept of occupation itself is also now more fluid, with organizational and industry labour markets as important as occupational labour markets.…”