An 18-year-old apprentice mechanic from Australia has been forced to work extreme hours just to cover his basic expenses, shedding light on a broader financial crisis affecting thousands of young tradespeople. Rising living costs and low apprenticeship wages are creating a situation where many apprentices struggle to survive without multiple jobs.
This case has sparked debate about the sustainability of the current apprenticeship system, as the growing gap between income and living expenses drives young workers to push their physical and mental limits.
Low Wages Driving Extreme Working Hours
Aidan Garcia, a second-year mechanic apprentice, earns about $600 per week, but his income is quickly consumed by essential expenses: $250 for rent, around $110 for fuel, along with food and phone bills. With no disposable income left, Garcia has been forced to take on extra jobs to survive financially.
He now works at a My Muscle Chef warehouse while also taking on tasks through Airtasker, such as rubbish removal and gearbox repairs. This grueling schedule has pushed him to work up to 85 hours per week, splitting his time between his apprenticeship and overnight warehouse shifts five days a week.
The relentless pace leaves Garcia with very little time to rest, often forcing him to sleep during lunch breaks or in short intervals between shifts. While his determination to stay financially stable drives him forward, the exhausting workload raises serious concerns about the long-term toll on his health and well-being.
Balancing Education, Survival, and the Hope for Better Pay
Garcia’s situation is further complicated by his studies at TAFE, which he must attend alongside his demanding work schedule. Exhaustion has become a constant part of his life, and he admits that the relentless pressure has at times made him question whether he can continue his apprenticeship.
Despite this, his additional jobs have provided temporary financial relief, boosting his weekly income to around $1,400. While this allows him to cover his living expenses, it leaves almost no time for rest or personal life, trapping him in a cycle of work and study with little opportunity to recover.
Even so, Garcia remains determined to complete his apprenticeship. Once fully qualified, his hourly rate is expected to rise from $16 to at least $28, a change that could finally give him the financial stability he has been fighting for. His story reflects the reality faced by many apprentices in Australia, where low starting wages and high living costs push young workers into extreme conditions while they hold on to the hope of a better future.
