Regional disparities in apprentice attrition rates: Heat and quarter four's significance in northern Australia

Don Zoellner, Matt Brearley, Elspeth Oppermann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)
169 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Apprenticeship completion rates have remained persistently low for decades in spite of broad agreement over the causes of non-completions. A possible factor missing from these explanations is climate, particularly in northern Australia where traditional trade apprentices are exposed to extreme conditions and exert themselves. We hypothesize that: the onset of hotter, more humid weather in northern Australia during the fourth quarter of the calendar year would be reflected by an increase in trades? apprenticeship withdrawals and cancellations. Using the entire National Apprentice and Trainee Collection, completion and attrition data were geographically categorized into north and south Australia. Statistical analyses identified a clear difference in trade occupation?s cancellations and withdrawals. Regionally specific climate variables are briefly examined, further supporting the claim that heat stress appears a likely contributor. These cross-disciplinary findings have a broader significance as apprenticeship completions contribute to socio-economic growth and the public policy agenda of northern development.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)179-195
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Training Research
Volume15
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 May 2017

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Regional disparities in apprentice attrition rates: Heat and quarter four's significance in northern Australia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this