Rediscovering apprenticeships Professor Erica Smith University of Ballarat

Rediscovering apprenticeships Professor Erica Smith University of Ballarat, Australia Co-Chair, International Network on Innovative Apprenticeship (INAP)

Why the rediscovery? n n An old form of employment-based training, currently undergoing revival; Newer economies have an urgent need for trained workers; Mature economies looking for more highlyqualified workforces; Struggling economies looking for ways to protect young people from unemployment.

Opportunities and challenges n n There are many available models, BUT countries without established apprenticeship systems need to examine critically, and adapt for their own culture and history. Those with established systems have strong histories and ‘brand awareness’, BUT face entrenched interests in attempts to reform their systems.

What is an apprenticeship? May include some or all of these features: n A lengthy period of learning eg 3 years; n An employment contract; n A combination and off the job (ie collegebased) learning; theoretical and practical learning; n A qualification gained through college, at sub-degree level; n Restricted to designated occupations; n Overseen by governments.

WHY do governments encourage apprenticeship? n n n Aid ‘school to full-time-work’ transition; Assist with labour force participation for disadvantaged groups (OR aimed at an elite); Help people climb qualification ladders; Provide a supply of skilled workers; Gain engagement of industry/employers and trade unions in the education system.

HOW do governments encourage apprenticeships? Some or all of the following: n Provide financial incentives for employers; n Fund college training; n Institute marketing campaigns (to employers, to young people); n Fund intermediary agencies; n Require companies to employ apprentices before they get government contracts; n Enforce apprenticeship employment ratios and wage rates in industrial relations agreements; n Expand the range of people eligible to enter; n Take an interest in quality of delivery; n Involve the social partners in arrangements.

What are some key issues in Australia? A mature apprenticeship system embedded in VET qualifications and employment practices; Allows mature entry, part-timers, secondary school based. n n Low completion rates (about 50%); Inclusion in last 20 years of shorter ‘traineeships’ in non-craft occupations, persistently undermined by the craft and manufacturing unions; Concerns about quality of delivery, both at college and on the job; Poor pathways from craft and manufacturing apprenticeships to higher education

The INAP network n n n Established 2006 to examine best practice in apprenticeships internationally; Aimed at use of research evidence in apprenticeship policy; Our 4 th conference is in Beijing in May 2011.

Key themes in the book ‘Rediscovering apprenticeship’ n n n Interlocking role of different government agencies; Inclusion of disadvantaged young people and geographical regions; Need to balance concern for quality and transferability versus flexibility and autonomy by companies; Importance of authentic tasks for maximum learning; Importance of skilled and well-qualified trainers; Path dependency - history and context affect engagement of the parties.

Some questions for the future (1) n n n If apprenticeships are locally-rooted what are the effects of globalisation? How do, and should, countries decide between investment in apprenticeships and in higher (university) education? (linked to the above) How can pathways from apprenticeship to higher education be forged with due regard for differences in pedagogy?

Some questions for the future (2) n n How can apprenticeships avoid widening the gap between ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’? (recruitment, completion) How can apprenticeships survive periods of recession? How can apprenticeship systems continue to reconcile the interests of different stakeholders? How can an occupation-based system reconcile with increasingly flexible careers?

Want to be involved in the debate? n n Find some answers, pose some questions INAP conference Beijing May 26 -27 2011 http: //www. inap. uni-bremen. de/ Email: beijing 2011@uni-bremen. de Erica Smith e. smith@ballarat. edu. au