Stakeholder Perspectives on Successful Apprenticeship Completion

13 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Anthony Mills, John Kite, Argaw Gurmu and Alexia Nalewaik

Abstract

The Australian construction sector continues to face a significant shortage of skilled labor, a challenge exacerbated by high rates of apprenticeship non-completion, a trend also observed in other developed economies. This study examines barriers to apprenticeship completion among participants enrolled in Building and Construction apprenticeships. Employing qualitative methods, data was gathered through focus group interviews with apprentices, employers, and trainers, and analyzed using content analysis in NVivo 12. Findings reveal a multifaceted set of challenges, including educational difficulties, employer-related constraints, financial pressures, unclear career pathways, poor work ethic, and ambiguous role expectations. This exploratory research enhances understanding of the structural and interpersonal factors influencing apprenticeship outcomes and provides actionable insights for vocational education stakeholders.

Keyphrases: apprenticeship, built environment, skills crisis, vocational training

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 999-1011.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/WWDl
	https://doi.org/10.29007/453h

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Stakeholder_Perspectives_Successful_Apprenticeship,
  author    = {Anthony Mills and John Kite and Argaw Gurmu and Alexia Nalewaik},
  title     = {Stakeholder Perspectives on Successful Apprenticeship Completion},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/WWDl},
  doi       = {10.29007/453h},
  pages     = {999-1011},
  year      = {2026}}

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