A recent ABC News investigation into Apprentice safety and training delays revealed how some employers place apprentices on live worksites without adequate training or supervision, leading to dangerous situations and preventable injuries.
At Major Training, we recognise the urgency facing the electrical trades and the broader skilled workforce across Australia: demand is high, safety risks are rising, and training backlogs are mounting.
We believe providing rapid access to quality training offers the solution. This equips apprentices with safety and skills, making them job-ready instead of throwing them into work unprepared.
Why Training Delays Increase Apprentice Safety Risk
The voltage of risk: ABC News reported that one in eight apprentices surveyed had received an electric shock. Among those facing classroom training delays into their second year, that number rose to one in four.
Training delays increase risk: One apprentice told the ABC, “I wasn’t quite ready … I was working on live circuits without supervision.”
Capacity under strain: As the ABC article notes,, training capacity has dropped by around 40% over the past decade, meaning more apprentices wait months to start, often working unsafely in the meantime.
The findings show a clear link: when training faces delays, safety suffers. Apprentices need structured, accessible pathways that qualify and protect them faster.
How Major Training enables “start within weeks”
1. Streamlined enrolment & scheduling: We’ve re-engineered our enrolment systems so eligible apprentices can begin their first training module within weeks, not months. Fast turnaround means less downtime and safer job starts.
2. Modular, practical-first training: We prioritise safety and job readiness early. We design our electrical and trade programs so learners get into hands-on, risk-aware modules quickly. This prepares apprentices for real-world tasks.
3. Flexible delivery across venues: With training centres across Queensland & NSW, including Yatala, Morayfield, Cairns, Newcastle and now Virginia, we offer multiple intake points to minimise delays caused by venue or capacity constraints.
4. Employer-aligned placement support: We work directly with employers to integrate on-the-job learning early, reducing the gap between “start work” and “start training.”
5. Safety-first culture embedded: The ABC highlighted unsafe supervision and “shock” incidents as recurring issues. That’s why our programs embed safety from day one including live-circuit awareness, hazard identification, supervisor communication.
What this means for apprentices and employers
For apprentices: You don’t have to wait long to start training. You’ll learn essential safety, risk-awareness, and practical skills early, setting you up to succeed on-site and in your apprenticeship.
For employers: You get apprentices who early on in their role are trained in safety fundamentals ready to contribute, not creating risk.
For industry: The ABC report highlights systemic issues that will take time to fix. Our approach provides a practical, immediate bridge increasing capacity and reducing risk while broader reforms take shape.
How to get started
Check eligibility: Thinking of starting an electrical apprenticeship or trade qualification? Contact Major Training and we’ll guide you through the enrolment steps.
Choose your intake: We run frequent intakes across Queensland. In most cases, you can secure your place, complete paperwork, and begin your first module within weeks.
Employer engagement: Already employed? Loop in your supervisor early. We’ll align your training plan to your work schedule.
Safety mindset: From day one, we emphasise supervision, hazard awareness and continual learning, building real capability, not just ticking boxes.
Meeting Australia’s Need for Skilled, Safe Apprentices
As ABC News reports, thousands more electricians will be needed in the years ahead, but training systems are struggling to keep up. Fast-track training doesn’t mean cutting corners it means smart design, rapid access and safety-assured learning within weeks of work commencing not months.
Major Trainings stands ready to help new apprentices and employers move from waiting to working, from untrained to job-ready, from risk to capability. If you’re ready to begin or if you’re an employer seeking trained apprentices, reach out to us today 1300 790 822
