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Many of the employers like the younger crew so they can 'push them around'. And by only paying the award they save money but still get the benefits of putting on an apprentice.
I have just finished my mature age apprenticeship as an electrician, and the employers dont really give two hoots where you are from or what you have done in the past. As long as you can pull the cable from one hole to another.
Also found that going to the hire companies is a waste of time. Go straight to the company who needs the work, A lot of the time the employer will be paid through the hire company not the person you are doing the work for. eg: costs the employer $700 per week to hire you off the hire company. Then the hire company pays you $500 per week and pockets the $200. And if for any reason the person who you are doing the work for dosnt like you or your work, they can sack you and that could be it.
My advice
1) to stick it out for the three or so years. the tafe's will recognise your prior learning and some time gets taken off that aslong as it is recognised in there system.
2) go for the smaller companies. The bigger ones will go through the hire companies so they can off load people when ever they want. And working for the smaller ones you know where you stand.
3) Argue the pay. Dont be affraid to negotiate YOUR price. I did it in my third year as an apprentice, "so we are thinking of only paying you $15 an hour for the next year" ....."I dont hink that is fair. I have come along way in the past year and think i am worth more". Ended up getting $17 an hour. WHich isnt much but at the time helped heaps.
Hope it helps. They are out there you just have to look hard!!!
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