A young apprentice considers quitting the job he loves because the cost of living makes it increasingly difficult for him to continue learning his trade.
Ryan Nightingale, 24, from Mulgrave in Sydney’s north-west, is a fourth-year light vehicle apprentice mechanic who has long wanted a job in a trade he loves.
But the young professional may have to give it all up, as his $850 after-tax salary is too low to live on in one of the world’s most expensive cities, making it a “weekly struggle” to make ends meet.
“The cost of living has had a huge impact on my life and wages are simply not keeping up with inflation,” he said.
“My tools alone can cost me $10,000 just to do the jobs I do.”
The student said he is considering giving up the profession he always saw as his future and working in a gym instead, solely for financial reasons.
“My employer, Apprentices Are Us, and my host employer, AA West Automotive in Mulgrave, have been incredibly supportive,” he said.
Ryan Nightingale, 24, is a fourth-year apprentice light vehicle mechanic. He always wanted to be a mechanic, but because the low wages of the apprenticeship do not keep up with inflation, he is thinking about quitting
The student said his low wages have made life ‘a weekly struggle’
“Honestly, I would only consider leaving because of the pressure on wages due to the cost of living.”
The apprenticeship has provided ‘lifelong skills’ but the financial side of it is ‘hard to make work’.
I would like to move [of my parents’ home] “But current rents are simply unaffordable,” he said.
‘I have dreams, just like all other Australians: a backyard, a white picket fence and a family.
‘But how do you even start saving? It’s a weekly struggle – I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my financial position.’
Mr. Nightingale says he can still socialize with his friends, but his low income makes this difficult.
‘[My wage] “It makes socializing stressful because I have to watch every penny I spend so I have enough gas in my car to get to work on Monday,” he said.
He is not alone. There are many other skilled workers who are being forced to stop working as the country struggles with a shortage of skilled workers.
“I’ve seen students come and go at my employer,” he said.
“It’s not the circumstances or the support, but the cost of living that doesn’t go away.”
‘We need to improve our view of apprenticeships and skilled workers.’
Mr Nightingale loves his workplace and his apprenticeship – but his reason for thinking about leaving is based on money alone. He has heard other apprentices leave their trade for the same reason (pictured is the apprentice’s workplace at AA West Automotive in Mulgrave, NSW)
Mr Nightingale believes that young Australians receiving apprenticeship wages are being exploited.
While he may be able to continue his apprenticeship with the help of his family, not everyone in his situation has that kind of support..
‘[For many] “It seems like a utopia because the costs of everyday things are simply unmanageable,” he said.
“Traders are the backbone of the country. I’ve seen apprentices come and go and when you ask them why, it’s usually a question of affordability.”
According to a report from the industry association, as many as 60 percent of students in the automotive industry drop out of their training. Ibex.
This high statistic could lead to Australia facing an automotive technician shortage in the near future.
Phil Cooksey, chief executive of Apprenticeships Are Us Ltd (ARU), told Daily Mail Australia that wages are not keeping pace with inflation, but many companies are strapped for cash and unable to pay more.
Phil Cooksey (pictured), chief executive of Apprenticeships Are Us Ltd (ARU), said apprentice salaries were not keeping up with inflation, with a staggering 60 per cent of Australian car apprentices dropping out of their training.
“The current cost of living pressures, particularly in the Sydney region, are probably the biggest driver of people abandoning their apprenticeships,” he said.
“That’s a shame, because completing an apprenticeship offers long-term benefits, such as valuable qualifications, practical experience and a very competitive salary.”
According to Mr. Cooksey, a qualified auto mechanic earns about $75,000 a year, but those who specialize in heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses can earn $100,000 a year.
“Given the high demand for automotive engineering skills, students who complete their training are likely to find work in locations of their choice,” he said.
Mr Nightingale agrees that completing his apprenticeship would give him more opportunities and he still recommends the trade as ‘an excellent career choice’.
“But something needs to be done at the government level about the cost of living,” he said.
