A Western Australia apprentice trade has sparked a heated debate over apprentice wages and the rising cost of living.
Lachlan Sgarlata, 19, shared his frustrations on social media on Thursday after a long day of work as a laborer in Kwinana Beach, south of Perth.
Covered in sweat and wearing a dirty high-visibility shirt, Mr. Sgarlata explained that he was encouraged to become a tradie because of the perception that they “make a lot of money.”
“Tradies are working their butts off, it’s 42 degrees Celsius, 10-hour days,” Mr Sgarlata said.
‘For what? Take a look at house prices right now. How are we supposed to buy a house if they cost at least a million dollars?’
He said his wages as an apprentice are “not nearly enough,” with just a weekend away costing $200 because a “beer costs $15.”
‘How should we live?’
The average house price in Kwinana, where Sgarlata lives, is $532,133. It would take a $47,622 minimum wage earner 15 years to save for a 20 percent down payment.
Lachlan Sgarlata, covered in sweat and wearing a dirty high-vis shirt, talked about his struggles as a 19-year-old apprentice in Kwinana Beach, and reflected on the long hours and low pay in the trade
However, many young apprentices earn below the minimum wage during their training period, with some receiving an hourly wage as low as $14.62.
For example, first-year electrical apprentices under the age of 21 typically earn between $28,892 and $31,668 per year.
Qualified traders were quick to challenge Mr Sgarlata, explaining that an internship is akin to getting paid to study.
They assured him that once he qualified, the hard work would eventually pay off.
“You get paid to learn, that’s why you have money,” said one.
“If you’re in business for ten years and there’s a shortage of skilled workers, the reward will come.”
“When you do an internship, you should treat it as if you are being paid to study,” wrote a second.
‘You have to work and work hard for four years to earn your stripes.’
Mr Sgarlata wondered how young tradies can afford to buy a house in today’s market, where house prices are soaring while wages remain low.
Others said Mr Sgarlata’s comments reflected a new generation of students coming to the sites without a hard-working attitude.
“It’s called sacrifice brother, the current generation wants to start at the top, that’s the problem,” said one.
‘Don’t save if you want a house, what do you think the previous generations did?’ asked a second.
A third added: ‘While I agree with what you’re saying, going out for a beer and paying $200 isn’t a good step, but it is a good step towards a house.’