What makes you sure he wouldn't be great at it ?
If he did an apprenticeship, it proves he has the ability to learn and retain that knowledge in a set time frame.
If you are going to train the person and he shows a willingness to learn ... why not give him a try ??

Because he would need a science degree?

Or maybe they are just fresh off the boat and were literally applying for anything remotely in their field, just to start earning $ and get that Aus experience on their CV's.

My hubby chose his first job only because it had the soonest starting date and we were running out of money, he was also over qualified and it was only a 3 month contract. Then, when he had his foot in the door, they saw he could do so much more. He is still with them, but now in a permanent position, doing what he did in the UK.

And that is one reason why they are out of work.

At that pay they will be junior, crap or a migrant. A junior will move on anyway as will a migrant. Good people want to move up.

Another option is looking at part time so returning mothers and others can go for it.

Why............ if you're going to train him to do a dull repetative job ??


Smacks of education snobbery to me

It's not a repetitive job and it would possibly be dull for someone who's used to independent and an academic way of thinking - but then it may not be. It's also not education snobbery - as much as they will get specific training for the role they do need basic skills that are covered in a science degree curriculum. I don't have time to start all the basic skills training from scratch.

I'm thinking that the part-time/flexible hours direction could be a good one to follow. I'm probably going to interview at least 8 applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and include a practical challenge to see who can cope. I'll then offer to the best and most appropriate candidate - and if they move on in 6 months so be it!

Because you need a certain level of education to enable you can grasp the training.