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 barrier: many young Australians lack a driver’s licence. Scott Challen, who leads The QHI group, a home renovation company based in Brisbane, recently encountered this issue when a 19-year-old applicant was unable to secure an apprenticeship due to not having a valid driver’s licence.
Challen expressed his frustration, explaining that while he was initially eager to take on the apprentice, the absence of a licence made it impractical for the young man to travel between job sites across the state. He pointed out that having a car and a licence is essential for apprentices in the construction industry, as they often need to move between different locations.
The situation became even more concerning when Challen discovered that the young man had completed the required driving lessons but failed the test three times. Due to long wait times for the test, there was a three-month gap between each attempt. This delay further complicated the process, making it difficult for the young person to gain the necessary experience.
Challen emphasized that this issue is not isolated to one individual. He noted that there appears to be a growing number of young people who are struggling to obtain their driver’s licences, which in turn limits their opportunities for employment. He questioned why driving lessons are not made mandatory in high schools, suggesting that equipping students with a licence upon leaving school would make sense.
He argued that the current system creates unnecessary barriers for young people, adding that they face numerous hurdles just to get a licence. This problem is compounded by the cost of driving lessons and tests, which can be prohibitive for some families. Many Australians have shared similar frustrations, pointing out that the process of obtaining a licence is both time-consuming and expensive.
Several studies over the past decade have shown a decline in the number of teenagers and young adults getting their driver’s licences compared to previous generations. In South Australia, for example, licensing rates among 17 to 19-year-olds fell from 62 per cent in 2009 to 55 per cent in 2018. Similarly, in Victoria, the proportion of people under 25 with a licence dropped from 77 per cent in 2001 to 66 per cent in recent years.
These trends have sparked discussions about the need for systemic changes. Some argue that driving lessons should be included in the curriculum of high schools, providing students with essential life skills before they leave education. Others highlight the financial burden of learning to drive, noting that disadvantaged students may struggle to afford the required hours of instruction.
There have also been suggestions that not being able to hire certain individuals might not be entirely negative. One commenter suggested that if a young person is failing to pass the driving test, they may not be suited for an apprenticeship. They argued that such individuals might require more support and could be a burden to employers.
Another perspective is that the inability to obtain a licence could reflect broader challenges in a person’s ability to follow instructions and work independently. These concerns underscore the importance of ensuring that apprentices are well-prepared for the demands of the construction industry.
As the construction sector continues to face challenges in attracting and retaining apprentices, addressing the underlying issues—such as access to driving lessons and the cost of obtaining a licence—may be crucial. Without these changes, the industry may continue to struggle with a shortage of skilled workers.
