NEW apprentices are struggling to pass tests that were breezed through a decade ago, with skills in maths and physics so poor as to endanger plans for the national broadband network, an industry skills council says.

The Electro-Communications and Energy Utilities Industry Skills Council has been testing new apprentices on their starting skills for 10 years.

Its chief executive, Bob Taylor, said that in the early tests they were not allowed to use a calculator and got an average score of 70 per cent. These says, with calculators permitted after pressure from schools, the average result is 58 per cent.

''These are the sort of things they should know after year 10, but proper maths is no longer compulsory up to year 10,'' Mr Taylor said. The questions deal with long division, algebra, trigonometry and units of electrical measurement.

''I have spoken to principals across Australia. Their general response is that it is our problem - we have to lower our expectations. They say they are providing a well-rounded curriculum. But we are being presented with year 12 graduates unable complete apprenticeships.''