User:Frank FCA/sandbox

The hot topic.

By Frank Sobrio Principal Artistic Director of francapelli academy.

Frank Sobrio says whilst the hot topic in 2009 has been the environment, climate change and carbon omissions, there is another serious issue Australia is facing which is equally important requiring urgent attention. Frank Sobrio says the issue of skills shortages will not go away until we create an innovative way to lift the profile of all trades and look at ways to improve the current structure of apprenticeships to ensure that all trades carry on for generations to come. This problem is not needing a band aid, rather it is in desperate need for stitches.Perhaps the discussion will not be raised and the issue not taken as seriously until the costs of these services are doubled due to the lack of skilled people in these industries. Or better still, when the time comes where there is no mechanic to repair our vehicles, no plumber to fix our pipes and no hairdresser to style our hair. After all, who is going to replace the baby boomers when they retire?In order for the eco system of humanity to survive, it is necessary to have an abundance of all skills – whilst we require professions like doctors, lawyers and engineers, we also must have mechanics, chefs, hairdressers and electricians. For society to exist in the way we expect it to in todays world, we must have a balance between professions and trades people to ensure all our needs are met.The need to be proactive rather than reactive has never been so crucial.

Experience and. exposure. With industry experience stretching over 30 years including that of a salon owner, Frank Sobrio has long been aware of the foreseeable employment skills shortage, due to a lack of interest from people taking on apprenticeships in all trades, although his main focus was finding a solution to sustain the hairdressing industry and find an alternative way to encourage people of all ages to choose hairdressing as a career.Independent research conducted between 1998-2000 revealed people’s attitude towards apprenticeships had changed dramatically and the thought of taking on a trade was frowned upon, due to its length, lack of training and flexibility in working conditions and perceived low wages. The facts presented to Frank Sobrio shows that there is a strong need for the Government to review the current structure regarding apprenticeships in order for all trade industries to grow and prosper.As the industry became affected by a shortage of skilled workers, Frank Sobrio devised a program that could fast track and deliver highly trained qualified hairdressers to the industry. A program that has proven to be a successful working model for 5 years offering employers an effective alternative to employing an apprentice by providing highly skilled trainees who are productive and contribute to the business’s bottom line. A program that encourages people of all ages to enter a trade, providing a consistently high level of training combined with industry experience to ensure they are groomed for the workforce.The Tyro Traineeship was conceptualised in 1998, and commenced in 2003.