Mature aged apprenticeships.

[Craig.a.c (Craig)]

I was under the impression (and have been told by job agencies) that the wages for a mature aged apprentice were higher then that of an ordinary apprentice? I recently applied for an apprenticeship as a brick layer and was informed that the wage was ONLY $380 a week. Every apprenticeship (even mature aged apprenticeships) that I have applied for the wages have been very low. Does anyone know where I can find any info on these so called "mature aged apprenticeships"?

I need a change. If I'm still a "rent-a-cop" (security guard) after christmas I am going to snap, I can feel it building up more everyday.

Cheers Craig

[supernova1965 (Warren)]

Originally Posted by Craig.a.c

I was under the impression (and have been told by job agencies) that the wages for a mature aged apprentice were higher then that of an ordinary apprentice? I recently applied for an apprenticeship as a brick layer and was informed that the wage was ONLY $380 a week. Every apprenticeship (even mature aged apprenticeships) that I have applied for the wages have been very low. Does anyone know where I can find any info on these so called "mature aged apprenticeships"?

I need a change. If I'm still a "rent-a-cop" (security guard) after christmas I am going to snap, I can feel it building up more everyday.

Cheers Craig

Try Wageline.com.au I am not sure on the address being 100% accurate

[Ian Robinson]

You'd think someone in their late 20s or even their 30s (and maybe their 40s) who entered a "mature age" apprenticeship would have their life experiences and prior work experience and studies recognised by way of a higher starting rate ....

Unfortunately , the problem you have found is not limited to (mature age) apprenticeships schemes but also happens to those who enter a n new profession at a mature age , they too more often than not , find their prior experience (even if directly applicable and highly relevant) to their new profession is not recognised by most employers and they must reenter at junior levels of pay and not at more senior levels.

This I would think is a very strong disincentive to long term unemployed people and those who are in related jobs who change their career path by doing apprenticeships, or going back as mature age students to study at university. This is unlikely to change even under the current fedgov under the current extremely poor job market.

[FredSnerd (Claude)]

Originally Posted by Craig.a.c

I was under the impression (and have been told by job agencies) that the wages for a mature aged apprentice were higher then that of an ordinary apprentice? I recently applied for an apprenticeship as a brick layer and was informed that the wage was ONLY $380 a week. Every apprenticeship (even mature aged apprenticeships) that I have applied for the wages have been very low. Does anyone know where I can find any info on these so called "mature aged apprenticeships"?

I need a change. If I'm still a "rent-a-cop" (security guard) after christmas I am going to snap, I can feel it building up more everyday.

Cheers Craig

Best of luck to you Craig. Hope you find that change you want soon

regards

[White Rabbit]

Good onya for thinking about doing something like this.
I went back to school when I was 26 and did a diploma of sound engineering, then went back when I was 32 and did a Uni Prep course at syd uni in science and maths.

No matter how you do it your going to have to make finacial sacrifices thats a fact.

Good luck, youve already taken the first step and thats to think about it and research it, sometimes thats the hardest part.

Sandy

[Ian Robinson]

BTW : I've been through the retraining path twice , first in the early 80s to retrain as an chemical engineer , I was a chemist , and second time more recently where I took up high school teacher training (didn't like teaching in high school so that went no where) concurrent with retraining in physics + computer engineering (to broaden my knowledge and skills) and now my masters in engineering and management.

Will something come out it (for me) ?
I'm in my mid 50s now , so unless there is dramatic swing back engineering shortages and there are changes in how the major resource and metals companies do their hiring .... I'd say unlikely. Hence I'm retired.

You've my respect for giving it a go , it takes real intestimal fortitude to do so .... you deserve respect and kudos for doing so.

I hope you find an employer/trainer who is prepared to pay you what you are worth and who recognises your life and work place experience the only way that really counts .... with $ .

[TrevorW]

Existing worker "mature age apprentices" will continued to be paid at any pay level they are on.

This training is available to people engaged in an industry that may not have the formal qualification.

The training cost will be paid by the Govt

However mature aged job seekers can be exploited just the same as a youth when the number of job seekers exceeds the number of jobs.

[AdrianF (Adrian)]

Originally Posted by Craig.a.c

I was under the impression (and have been told by job agencies) that the wages for a mature aged apprentice were higher then that of an ordinary apprentice? I recently applied for an apprenticeship as a brick layer and was informed that the wage was ONLY $380 a week. Every apprenticeship (even mature aged apprenticeships) that I have applied for the wages have been very low. Does anyone know where I can find any info on these so called "mature aged apprenticeships"?

I need a change. If I'm still a "rent-a-cop" (security guard) after christmas I am going to snap, I can feel it building up more everyday.

Cheers Craig

Out here in Roma mature aged apprentices are paid at the same rate as before they took on an apprenticeship.
One of the apprentices I teach here at TAFE was employed as a labourer before he took on an apprenticeship he was being paid $18.75 p/h he took on an apprenticeship at $18.75 p/h. He may have struck a deal with his employer, I cant say because I have no idea.

Adrian

[Benno18 (Ben)]

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!!!

[leon]

Depending of your age don't even go there, it is the employer that benifits from your work, not you, he/she is payed buy the Government to actually have you on the job site.

Your best bet is to try and find something that suits you and go for it alone.

I did, and i"m nearly sixty, and could not be happier, and making more per hour than I ever did.


Leon