Temporary migration and skills formation in the trades: a provisional assessment

If Australian young people are to acquire trades skills employers need to invest in apprenticeships. The 457 temporary-entry work-visa system offers employers a relatively easy alternative and the government imposes few training obligations on those who take advantage of it. This means that employers who do invest in apprenticeships are put at a competitive disadvantage and that there is a systemic disincentive to invest in local training. Copyright. Monash University and the author/s