As announced by not-for-profit training and employment organisation VERTO, there has been a 95 per cent year-on-year increase in its apprenticeship commencements to 31 December 2021, which points to promising signs for an Australian economy still recovering from the difficulties of the pandemic, and poses questions about what this means for the hair salon industry.
In these stats, there was 114 per cent increase in apprentices to June 2021, as reported by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Training Research (NCVER), as well as a 134 per cent year-on-year increase in female apprentices in 2021.
“Apprentices are the backbone of our economy and will play a significant role in our recovery. They are the tradespeople that will rebuild our economy through infrastructure; they are the hospitality workers that will revitalise our tourism industry. This is welcome news for every Australian,” said VERTO Chief Executive Officer Ron Maxwell. “As of December 2021, there were 220,000 Australians undertaking apprenticeships, the highest number on record since data collection began in 1963.”
With the most common age to start an apprenticeship being 18, apprenticeships offer a promising pathway for recent high school graduates. These general trends and career approaches pose intriguing possibilities for a hairdressing industry that is always looking for new talent and that can offer a career comprised of creativity, client engagement and trade skills for those hoping to pursue it.
“Apprenticeships have so much to offer HSC graduates, including diverse career opportunities, positive job outlooks, earning while you learn and even a higher starting salary than many university counterparts. In addition, many industries are calling out for apprentices with STEM skills, so it’s a great opportunity for HSC graduates to build a fulfilling career in an industry with a bright future,” he continued.
“The growth in female apprentices is heartening, but we have more to do in this space. VERTO champions women in trades, and we’ve seen some fantastic success stories. There is a great opportunity for more women to make their mark in these industries, and I strongly encourage those who are interested to explore their career options,” he said.
For more information visit www.verto.org.au
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