In this episode of the podcast Claire speaks with Emeritus Prof. Erica Smith on the state of apprenticeships in Australia and how a raft of recent reforms are privileging traditional male trades over apprenticeships/traineeships in feminised industries.

Claire and Erica discuss the recent Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System and the government's interim response to the review.

Erica has appeared on the podcast previously (episode 68) with Prof. Andrew Norton.

In this current episode, Erica also discusses some of her recent research (noting that her yet-to-be published paper focuses on the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System):

• Smith, E. (2024). Rescue and recovery: The COVID and post-COVID responses of apprenticeship systems. International Review of Applied Economics. 38:3, 337-356. https://doi.org/10.1080/02692171.2024.2336546
• Smith, E. (2022) Landmarks in the Australian apprenticeship and traineeship system. Online, National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).
  https://www.voced.edu.au/vet-knowledge-bank-landmark-documents-apprenticeships-and-traineeships-historical-overview
• Smith, E. (2021).  The expansion and contraction of the apprenticeship system in Australia, 1985-2020. Journal of Vocational Education and Training.73:2, 336-365 https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2021.1894218

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The ‘What now? What next?’ podcast recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s traditional custodians. In the spirit of reconciliation we are proud to recommend John Briggs Consulting as a leader in Reconciliation and Indigenous engagement. To find out more go to www.johnbriggs.net.au