A leading apprenticeship organisation is calling on the Federal Government to urgently introduce targeted support for underage apprentices, warning that not having a driver’s licence is becoming a major barrier preventing younger candidates from entering the trades during a severe national skills shortage.
Apprenticeships Are Us Ltd (ARU) says that while thousands of school leavers are eager and capable of starting trade careers, many are being overlooked by host employers because they are unable to drive due to their age.
According to ARU General Manager Phil Cooksey, 43 per cent of apprenticeship applicants do not yet hold a driver’s licence or are still on their Learner’s permit, placing them at a significant disadvantage in securing an apprenticeship placement.
“The issue we’re seeing is not a lack of willingness or ability, but the lack of a driver’s licence is becoming a deciding factor for employers,” Mr Cooksey said.
“Despite bringing enthusiasm, energy and adaptability, many of these candidates are being passed over simply because they cannot legally drive between worksites to collect materials or move vehicles around the workshop.”
Mr Cooksey said this creates a structural mismatch in the system, where school leavers are legally too young to hold a licence, yet are expected by some employers to already have one in order to be employable.
“But by law, many of these candidates are not yet eligible to hold a full licence, even though they are otherwise ready to enter the workforce.”
He warned that this is pushing young people away from skilled trades at a critical time, with many instead turning to unskilled work.
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“The risk is that these young people opt for alternative employment such as factory or unskilled labour simply because it is more accessible in the short term,” he said.
“While the immediate pay may seem attractive at 15 or 16, these pathways often lack long-term progression compared to a skilled trade.”
Mr Cooksey said the issue is not only affecting individual career outcomes but is also compounding Australia’s broader skills shortage across essential industries.
“We are facing a long-term national shortage in the trades, and we cannot afford to lose capable young people at the very start of the pipeline,” he said.
He suggested that young people who are unable to secure apprenticeships begin preparing early for licencing requirements, including completing supervised driving hours so they are ready to obtain a licence as soon as they reach the legal age.
Mr Cooksey also recommended pre-apprenticeship courses as a way for candidates to demonstrate commitment and improve their chances of securing employment.
