MEGT voices lead the conversation on apprenticeships during National Skills Week
At MEGT, we believe apprenticeships and traineeships are the cornerstone of Australia’s future workforce. This National Skills Week, our expertise has been recognised nationally, with two of our Apprentice Connect Provider State Managers — Ja Turnbull and Blake Wallace — featured in the National Skills Week Podcast series.
Busting the Myths
In the episode “Dispelling the Myths of Apprenticeships”, Ja Turnbull joined Holly Wilcox from the Construction Industry Training Board, former carpentry apprentice now estimator Hugo Kregar and 2024 Australian School Based Trainee of the year Lara Wilson to showcase how apprenticeships open career pathways.
The conversation explored how apprenticeships have evolved, highlighting breadth of industries now offering pathways, and where apprenticeships can lead.
Ja provided valuable insights into how MEGT works with employers, schools, and job seekers to ensure people make informed career choices backed by the right support. Listen on Spotify.
“In terms of VET been seen as the second-best option, that’s no longer the case. There are over 500 qualifications available through apprenticeship and traineeship pathways. The great thing is that you can earn while you learn and get a nationally recognised qualification at the end of it. Apprenticeships don’t preclude you from going on to higher education either, and we see so many apprentices, like Hugo, continue their studies to further their career.”
Career Changing
In another standout episode, “Life-Changing Career Decisions”, Blake Wallace discussed the rise of mature-age apprenticeships and the opportunities apprenticeships offer career changers.
Alongside apprentices and industry representatives, Blake shared how MEGT is seeing firsthand how businesses are embracing career transitioners — whether they’re shifting industries, moving from city to region, or starting fresh later in life.
"Out of the approximately 1.5 million Australians MEGT has signed up, 40% of them are over the age of 25. Age is not a barrier and in many ways, employers are embracing apprentices who are mature age."
Being invited to participate in these national conversations recognition of MEGT’s role as a trusted voice in apprenticeships and traineeships. Discover the episode on Spotify.