Moves by Scott Morrison to remove mandatory on-the-job training from manufacturing apprenticeships could see future apprentices receive a qualification without ever touching a tool.

Federal Labor has criticised the idea, saying it is an absurd move that could undermine the integrity of Australian qualifications.

The Shadow Minister for Education and Training, Tanya Plibersek, said Labor has made a strong commitment to a highly skilled workforce.

“Labor has committed to an Australian Skills Guarantee, where one in 10 workers on major government projects are Australian Apprentices,” Ms Plibersek said.

“The Federal Government spend billions of dollars on big infrastructure and defence projects every year and we want to use that investment to help train the next generation of tradies.

“That includes giving apprentices quality on-the-job training.”

Ms Plibersek and Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann visited KSB Australia’s Bundamba workshop and training facility, where KSB tests, repairs and services their manufactured industrial pumps and valves.

“KSB built this facility in Bundamba because they recognised the importance of the region in providing skilled workers,” Mr Neumann said.

“There are great employers locally who recognise the importance of investing in apprentices to ensure they have the skills they need now and into the future.

“One in 10 people in the Ipswich region work in manufacturing. I want to make sure our apprentices are highly skilled, with great classroom training at TAFE and on-the-job training and mentoring on great worksites such as this facility in Bundamba.”

Ms Plibersek said the LNP has caused a tradie crisis in Australia.

“Under the LNP, $3 billion has been cut from TAFE and training, and 140,000 apprentices and trainees have been lost,” she said.

“Scott Morrison has helped cause widespread tradie shortages, including bricklayers, cabinetmakers, and metalworkers.”

Mr Neumann said Labor’s plan to invest in tradies and training will have an immediate impact in the local region.

“With Australia’s largest defence base at Amberley, a burgeoning defence and logistics industry, we are well placed to benefit from Labor’s commitment to ensure large Government contractors partner with TAFE to train local workers,” he said.

“Two of the KSB apprentices told me they became interested in manufacturing trades while studying at St Edmond’s College, where there was an exceptional Trade Training Centre, funded by the previous Labor Government.

“They love the experience of working with tradies on site and appreciate the mentoring and guidance they get from management and tradies alike.

“I applaud KSB for its commitment to apprentices and for working with the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) to keep apprentices on the tools.”

The Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC) has recommended that mandatory workplace hours be removed from manufacturing apprenticeships.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) has launched a campaign in response: Keep Apprentices on the Tools.