With the strong demand for trade and related skills set to continue for many years to come, an effective apprenticeship system will help lay the foundations for an enduring skills pipeline. The apprenticeship model is becoming an even more important lever in Australia’s future growth as rapidly changing work environments benefit from work-based learners who experience change first-hand.

Further to these shorter-term improvements, opportunities for expansion of the traditional apprenticeship model exist for Australia. The system has great potential to be extended beyond the trades and adapted as a major work-based learning pathway at technician, paraprofessional and professional levels.

Ai Group has been working with businesses at the forefront of their industry by leading a series of ground-breaking pilot projects seeking to meet emerging skills needs, by developing pathways of learning which combine a VET qualification and a bachelor’s or associate degree, that can be pursued while working.