Financial Pressures Impact Apprenticeship Success
On April 29, 2026, it was reported that apprentices and trainees in Victoria are grappling with significant financial pressures amidst a cost-of-living crisis. These pressures are jeopardizing apprenticeship completion rates and the future supply of skilled workers.
Research from Apprenticeship Support Australia, facilitated by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlights that 57 per cent of apprentices are struggling with financial difficulties, affecting their ability to cover essential expenses such as rent, fuel, and tools.
Fuel and transport costs are identified as critical pressure points. Some apprentices report spending nearly 70 per cent of their weekly wages on fuel, with costs reaching up to $300 weekly for commuting.
Rent, groceries, and study costs are also becoming harder to manage alongside essential work equipment expenses. Many apprentices are on first-year wages, which compounds these financial strains.
Although 94 per cent of apprentices have stable housing, some report temporary living arrangements or overcrowding due to rising costs. Fourteen per cent lack reliable transport, with factors such as high fuel prices and poor public transport options contributing to the issue.
This financial strain is affecting mental health, with 36 per cent of apprentices experiencing stress or anxiety. The pressure to live “pay cheque to pay cheque” is causing lost sleep and concerns about affording transport to work.
Mental Health and Workplace Support
Despite 92 per cent feeling supported at work, gaps remain in training and assistance for rising costs. Some apprentices report unpaid overtime and lack of help with expenses like fuel or tools.
Most apprentices remain committed to their training, with 90 per cent keeping up with coursework. However, nearly 19 per cent struggle to balance work, study, and personal life due to financial pressures and extra work responsibilities.
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive, Sally Curtain, stated, “Apprentices are telling us they still want to work, learn and build a future, but for many of them, it is getting harder and harder to hold everything together.”
The report calls for increased support, including fuel cards, regional travel assistance, and expanded Free TAFE access, to help apprentices stay engaged in their work and training.
Key barriers to transport reliability include fuel prices, long travel distances, and the cost of maintaining a vehicle. In some cases, apprentices reported travelling up to two hours each way or relying on carpooling or walking when fuel costs become unaffordable.
These findings suggest that the issues are not short-term but point to a system under strain, particularly impacting regional apprentices, vulnerable cohorts, and employers. The need for systemic support is evident to ensure the sustainability of apprenticeship programs.
Last updated: 30 April 2026, 2:50 pm
