The Master Builders Association of Victoria will take the world-first “ALink‟ program to Victoria University, Newport next Thursday in a bid to tackle apprenticeship drop-out rates.

Association Executive Director Brian Welch said Master Builders’ research had revealed why more than 50 per cent of Victorian trade apprentices do not complete their training.

“Dubbed the apprentices new best friend”, ALink aims to bridge the gap between apprentices and the industry providing information and tools that they need to stay focused and successful,” Mr Welch said.

Over the past two years, the Master Builders has developed a package of services and offerings based upon research which has found there were two main reasons for the high attrition rates. The first reason was the lack of relevant, clear and centralised information for apprentices. The second reason was a high incidence of communication break-down between the apprentices – who are mainly Generation Y – and their Baby Boomer bosses and mentors.

“Master Builders recognised a gap in the industry and we are ideally placed to bridge that gap,” Mr Welch said.

Master Builders has been taking 18 ALink Road Shows to TAFEs throughout Victoria reaching up to 2,000 apprentices, face-to-face. Apprentices will receive a free 12 month student membership with Master Builders entitling them to wage advice, career advice and discounts on tools, cars and fuel.

ALink will also provide mentoring programs and workshops for apprentices wanting to learn more about how to advance their careers.