Aussie construction leader exposes youth workforce challenges
The Growing Challenge of Finding Qualified Apprentices in the Construction Industry
A construction industry leader in Australia has raised concerns about the difficulty of finding suitable apprentices, highlighting a surprising obstacle: many young Australians lack a driver’s license. This issue is creating barriers for both employers and aspiring workers in the construction sector.
Scott Challen, the head of The QHI group based in Brisbane, recently encountered this problem when he was approached to take on a 19-year-old apprentice. Initially, he was eager to help, but the situation changed when he learned that the applicant did not have a driver’s license. For Challen, this was a significant red flag, as he believes a driver’s license is essential for anyone working in the construction industry.
He pointed out that having a license is crucial because apprentices often need to travel to multiple job sites across the state. Without one, it becomes impractical for them to perform their duties effectively. Challen also criticized the Australian government’s $10,000 incentive payment for hiring construction apprentices, arguing that such measures are ineffective if young people cannot even get to the job sites.
The issue goes beyond just one individual. Challen discovered that there is a broader trend of young Australians struggling to obtain their driver’s licenses. He suggested that making driving lessons mandatory in high schools could be a solution. “Why aren’t we helping these kids leave school with their driver’s license?” he asked. “Wouldn’t that make sense?”
Several studies over the past decade have shown a decline in the number of teenagers and young adults obtaining their driver’s licenses compared to previous generations. In South Australia, for example, the licensing rates among 17 to 19-year-olds fell from 62% in 2009 to 55% in 2018. Similarly, in Victoria, the proportion of people under 25 with a license dropped from 77% in 2001 to 66% in recent years.
This trend has sparked discussions among Australians about the challenges of getting a driver’s license. Many shared their frustrations about the difficulties involved in progressing from taking a first driving lesson to actually obtaining a license. One person remarked, “Add driving lessons to the long list of life-ready skills they don’t teach in school.” Others highlighted the financial burden, noting that the cost of the test and license is expensive, and finding time to complete the required hours can be challenging.
For disadvantaged youth, the situation is even more difficult. “Imagine disadvantaged kids trying to actually pay for 120 hours of lessons,” one person said. “We need a solution. No money to pay for lessons because parents couldn’t afford it.”
Some individuals suggested that not being able to hire the teenager might have been a blessing in disguise. One comment stated, “If he’s failing three times, he doesn’t have the capacity to follow orders and maintain instructions, he also has his mother speaking for him.” Another added, “If they’re failing to just get a driver’s license, they’re probably going to struggle with an apprenticeship too and you’re going to have to carry them.”
Overall, the conversation highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the barriers faced by young Australians in obtaining a driver’s license and entering the workforce. While the construction industry continues to seek qualified apprentices, the underlying issues of access, affordability, and education remain critical challenges that must be addressed.