Emotional intelligence and generic skills in the traditional trades

Completion rates in Australian apprenticeships have been low for many years. This thesis explored the possibility that emotional intelligence, personality, and generic skills might affect completion rates indirectly by shaping workplace relationships and day-to-day workplace interactions. The research made use of large scale surveys and in-depth interviews. The results of this research suggest that the interpersonal relationships apprentices have in training are central to their apprenticeship experience. Furthermore, findings suggest that incorporating interpersonal skills in the training curriculum could lead to better training outcomes for apprentices, employers, and stakeholders.