Factors Lifting Apprenticeship Retention Expectations (FLARe)

Almost half of Australian apprentices do not complete their apprenticeship. What motivates them to plan to persist, or drop out? 2,387 apprentices (carpentry, bricklaying, electrical, plumbing) were surveyed four times over 2 years regarding their workplace and trade school experiences and motivations. Workplace interest (positively) and anxiety (negatively) most strongly predicted apprentices’ planned persistence. Interest declined and anxiety increased through training; predicted by career indecision, worksite training and workload. Findings suggest practical levers for employers, teachers and industry groups first, to guide apprenticeship choice and second, positively motivate apprentices in trade school and on-the-job to improve their experience, and retention.