Effectiveness of traineeships and apprenticeships for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population (full publication; 3 Jun 2014 edition) (AIHW, Closing the Gap Clearinghouse)

What we know • Indigenous Australians, particularly females, are more likely than the rest of the population to participate in apprenticeships and traineeships, mostly due to the relatively younger demographic structure of the Indigenous population (as apprenticeships are typically undertaken during youth). • Among those enrolled in apprenticeships and traineeships, Indigenous students are more likely to be participating in courses of study leading to lower qualifications (Certificate I and II). • For both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, the key determinant of field of study is gender: males are much more likely to be participating in apprenticeships and traineeships that will result in them becoming tradespersons or related workers, and females are more likely to be working towards an occupation as an Intermediate Clerical, Sales and Service Worker. • Indigenous Australians are less likely to be employed across all age groups. • Apprenticeships are commonly seen as a useful tool for 'Closing the Gap'. • Not all apprentices and trainees are employed, but they have a much higher rate of employment compared with other students (52.1% of Indigenous apprentices are employed, compared with 31.6% of other Indigenous students). • When surveyed, students generally report the benefits of having an apprenticeship as being to 'advance my skills more generally' and having the 'satisfaction of achievement'. However, in addition to these universal benefits, Indigenous Australians are also much more likely to report being 'seen as a role model for others in the community'. • Evidence from overseas studies suggests that participation in traineeships and apprenticeships can have a positive effect on employment outcomes and earnings. • A statistical analysis of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) program found that almost 15% of those who found employment through the SQW programs would not have otherwise been able to find employment. • Pre-apprenticeship training nearly doubles the chance of enrolment in an apprenticeship from a base of about 10% of potential students. Pre-apprenticeship training can also be associated with higher job satisfaction, although the evidence is inconclusive. • Reviews of some Indigenous-specific training and employment programs show a positive effect on employment and education and relatively high levels of job satisfaction for participants. • It appears that the provision of mentors reduces cancellation rates for Indigenous apprentices. • An analysis of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive Scheme found that incentives increase the number of people commencing an apprenticeship, but the scheme has no effect on retention. …