Yep, absolutely. I’m an EE, and was interested in doing my own electrical work - there’s no recognition of prior learning, as far as I can tell. In Australia you must have completed a 4 year apprenticeship. No ifs, buts, it maybes.

For reference, it’s not uncommon for contractors to send out apprentices with a year or two of experience to do jobs solo (it’s illegal, but that never stopped anybody). I appreciate the need for experienced workers to do jobs to a high standard, but it seems clear to me the currents regulations are too onerous.

It’s not surprising a there’s a shortage, when the apprenticeship pays like shit, the actual job is not paid especially well, and the work sucks. The only people who make money are the contractors with a team under them.