Help get a better deal for apprentices

The AMWU is campaigning to improve standards and conditions for our members working in skilled trades and in particular, improving conditions and pay for apprentices.

Government and employer inaction has seen apprentice numbers fall dramatically, while employers have been encouraged to treat apprentices as cheap labour while they try to break up trade skills to lower the skill level and pay of skilled trade workers.

Now, with a new Labor Government, we need to take action to fix this mess.

There's never been a better time, and there's never been a greater need.

The only sustainable way to drive the job growth we need, is through proper workforce skills development, and it's selfish for employers to rely solely on the taxpayer to deliver skilled workers to their door as though they themselves had no responsibility at all. 

Visit the AMWU apprentices website for more information about the campaign Apprentice members of the AMWU are running across Australia. They are trying to:

• Reduce the cost of TAFE fees
• Improve Tool Allowances
• Raise wages for apprentices
• Improve the quality of training, and
• Improve job security.

You can use the form below to send a message to Ms Julia Gillard - she's the Deputy Prime Minister and the minister looking after employment and education - so she has a very big job.

Here's some hints about what to put in your message:

• Dont just spam the deputy prime minister - she gets enough junk mail as it is - write something that she'll take seriously
• Tell her your story and about how a better deal for apprentices would help you and your friends
• Say what you think should happen.
• If you put your home address and proper name, Ms Gillards office is more likley to send you a reply.