(Image: ANP/Sipa USA) I was told I had to go to university. In the 1990s it was what my parents dreamed of. But now? There’s a better path through life for people who don’t go to university.
Not just better than the path was before, but also possibly better than going to university. Being a tradie is a terrific option for a capable young person. Electricians in particular are in hot demand.
The latest occupations shortage list is out and the top five employing occupations in shortage are aged or disabled carers, primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, truck drivers and electricians. Vilification of international students hides the real problem in universities Read More Let’s focus on electricians. It is a wonderful time to be a sparky.
An electrical apprenticeship can be a bit tough, but you can start young, even as young as 15 if you’re in school as well. The pay is modest — $15 an hour for a young, first-year apprentice who didn’t finish Year 12 — but there are other inducements. The government gives out all sorts of lollies: interest-free loans to buy tools, a supplement for young people who have to live out of home, and regular government payments.
Six months into the gig, the government gives eligible apprentice electricians a $1,750 “Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment” plus a $2,000 “New Energy Apprentice Support Payment”. They can get the payments every six months or so until they are done. Apprentices are, traditionally, p.