“We have advertised for some apprenticeship positions recently and had zero response,” said CWGA Young Field Officer Karen Pokoney.

The apprenticeships include positions in Plastering, Building, Painting and a Chef.

The lack of interest is in contrast to other regional areas where CWGA has received almost a record number of registrations for apprenticeships and traineeships.

Across the district, more than 2,400 people have put their name down to pursue a trade-related career, which is almost a record in the CWGA’s 25-year history.

According to Karen Pokoney from the CWGA, some young people don’t realise that apprenticeships are a viable career option.

“We’re not saying to them not to go to university,” she said.

“But we want the school leavers to know that having a trade can offer a bright future.

“Businesses are crying out for young people to take on an apprenticeship because it’s an ageing workforce with most of the tradespeople in that retirement window of 55 years or more.”

CWGA chief executive officer Ben Bardon said the scheme’s apprentices had a successful completion rate of almost double the state 10-year average.

“Around 600 host employers currently benefit from employing workers through the Group Apprentices scheme, and many apprentices are kept on as employees when they complete,” he said.

CWGA is a not-for-profit company that employs and trains apprentices and trainees and places them with local tradespeople and businesses for any length of time, up to the full term of their training contract.

Karen said it was a rare occurrence not to be able to get starters for apprenticeships.

“Hopefully with the school year finishing we’ll get some keen applicants ready to start an apprenticeship in 2008,” she said.

Anyone interested in applying or hiring apprentices in the Young area for the new year can contact Karen on 0419 296 514.