Master Plumbers backs plan to cut apprenticeship training costs

A proposed $115 million fund could help reduce training costs for plumbing apprentices, but employers also need access to enough funded training places to help apprentices qualify.

Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia welcomes the Victorian Liberals and Nationals’ proposal to cover half of approved off-the-job training costs through a $115 million Accelerating Apprenticeships Fund.

Plumbing is among the priority occupations identified in the announcement. The Coalition says apprenticeship commencements in Victoria are at their lowest level in decades, while vocational training commencements have fallen 46 per cent since 2021.

Backing the employers who train our next generation

Taking on an apprentice is a significant commitment, particularly for small businesses. Employers invest time, money and supervision to develop the next generation of plumbers while keeping their businesses running.

Reducing training costs could make it easier for more businesses to take on apprentices. But cost is only part of the solution. Apprentices also need access to quality training and enough funded places to complete their qualifications.

Our training school can do more

Master Plumbers has the trainers, facilities and industry demand to train more apprentices. Yet our funded intake is capped at 150 places, and we have had to close our waiting list.

Ensuring enough funded places are available at training schools, including industry training providers, must be part of the response to Victoria’s skills shortage.

Building a stronger plumbing workforce

Master Plumbers also welcomes the Coalition’s proposed Technical Colleges initiative, which includes pathways into plumbing. More young people should have the opportunity to discover what a career in the trade can offer.

Supporting employers, encouraging more young people into the trade and ensuring the training system can carry apprentices through to qualification are all important to building the skilled workforce Victoria needs.