Worsening retention and attrition rates for apprentices and trainees have been a concern for some years. The data provided annually by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) show that non-trade trainee completion rates overall across all disciplines have been sitting at a steady 55 per cent – 65 per cent since 2017.
The statistic is a significant challenge that was factored into Ai Group’s ICT traineeship program. This is a project funded by the Victorian Government to place 50 new trainees into IT jobs; occupations usually filled by university graduates, not traineeships. During the planning stage of the project, we considered ways to keep the trainees engaged right through their traineeship so that both trainee and employer might enjoy a successful outcome.
We implemented some key strategies for the project, designed to counter the poor outcomes that normally apply. These have worked exceptionally well, and involve putting in place a support system for the trainee from the initial recruitment stage right up until completion of the traineeship.
We provided initial job seeker coaching for potential candidates, helping them with resume writing, job applications and interview skills. This proved to be important for most candidates and was also much appreciated according to the feedback they provided about what they learned and how useful it was. Through these coaching sessions, candidates understood the importance of how to approach the job application process.
Once candidates were placed, we continued to provide regular mentor support to assist trainees in their transition and assist with any professional development or other issues that might arise within their traineeship.
This coaching and mentoring support has helped to maintain a consistent retention rate throughout our program at an average of 95 per cent. The chart below shows the retention rate to date for the program.
Keeping the trainee candidates engaged right from the beginning of the traineeship recruitment process up until the point of completion has proven to keep retention rates steadily high. Not only does this assist the program’s statistics, but it also provides the necessary support system for the trainee throughout the traineeship pathway experience.
To learn more about the ICT Traineeship project, contact ICT Traineeships Mentor, Marina Dimoska at marina.dimoska@aigroup.com.au
