About Pathfinders First Nations apprenticeships & traineeships
Pathfinders is a specialist First Nations apprenticeships and traineeships program designed to give you the workforce support you need while creating meaningful career opportunities for First Nations people.
We combine MEGT’s proven Group Training model — including recruitment, employment, payroll and ongoing coaching and guidance — with additional layers of intensive, culturally informed support.
From day one, your apprentices and trainees are matched with a dedicated MEGT First Nations Field Officer to ensure they feel confident and connected throughout their employment journey.
At the same time, your supervisors and broader teams receive practical cultural capability training to ensure your business is fostering an environment where First Nations people feel understood and can thrive.
A supported approach to workforce diversity
Strengthen your workforce diversity with confidence
The Pathfinders program brings together the people, expertise and support needed to help your apprenticeship or traineeship program succeed. We work with you to develop a tailored plan that supports your business needs, diversity commitments and Reconciliation Action Plan objectives in a meaningful way.
A full-service apprenticeship solution
We pride ourselves on making apprenticeships easier for your business. Through our proven Group Training model, we act as your apprentice or trainee’s legal employer and manage recruitment, employment administration and compliance, payroll, ongoing coaching and support, and more.
Access work-ready, motivated talent
Our recruitment experts source, screen and shortlist high-quality candidates from our talent pool, matching you with apprentices and trainees who can contribute to your team while developing their professional skillset.
Expert, culturally-informed recruitment practices
Our approach looks beyond the traditional resume to identify each candidate’s strengths, motivations and potential, helping you find First Nations talent that’s right for your business.
Dedicated support from someone who understands
Our dedicated First Nations Field Officer provides ongoing coaching and support to your apprentices and trainees that extends beyond work and training into wellbeing, life skills and connection to community. This support is amplified during the first 90 days, to help your talent get established and stay on track.
The tools to build culturally capable teams
Our Pathfinders team provides practical cultural capability training for your supervisors and wider teams to help build confidence, understanding and inclusive workplace practices.
Experience you can trust. Support you can count on.
40+ years
MEGT brings over 40 years of apprenticeship expertise.
National
We work across Australia in metropolitan and regional communities.
260+
Trusted by Australian businesses when hiring First Nations talent.
675+
We’ve placed and supported hundreds of First Nations apprentices and trainees.
73.5%
Group Training completion rate, 30% higher than the national average.
More than an apprenticeship
The essence of the Pathfinders program is captured in Journeys Joining, an artwork created by BindiLee, a descendant of the Noonuccal people of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
The artwork tells the story of a First Nations apprentice stepping into employment, where individual pathways are shaped not only by personal strength, but by the many people and supports who walk alongside them.
Each pathway within the artwork represents a journey into work and beyond, with changing directions reflecting growth, challenge, and learning. As these journeys move forward, they come together — guided by coaches and mentors, supported by employers, strengthened by community, and grounded in culture.
At its heart, the artwork speaks to connection and highlights that success is not walked alone. The completion of an apprenticeship becomes more than an individual achievement; it creates a ripple effect, strengthening families, communities, and future workforces. In this way, every journey that joins becomes part of something greater, shaping pathways for those who follow.
Build a diverse workforce with confidence
Enquire nowIndustries we partner with
Building & Construction
With decades of experience in trades, benefit from site-ready apprentices who’ll contribute from day one.
Manufacturing
With strong industry networks, we’re trusted by manufacturing businesses to build a skilled and loyal workforce.
Defence
Defence Industry Security Program accredited, we support high-compliance industries with strict standards and processes.
IT & Business Administration
Over 200 businesses nationwide have strengthened their IT & administration workforces with an MEGT trainee.
Care Services
Our end-to-end support helps develop skilled, compassionate trainees for childcare, aged care and healthcare environments.
Hospitality
We help businesses build skilled, reliable teams who can deliver great service across front of house and back of house roles, from day one.
First Nations apprenticeships & traineeships in action
ANZ
ANZ’s First Nations Banking Program provides First Nations people with the experience and support that creates permanent roles and meaningful careers.
Working closely with ANZ, MEGT has employed almost 100 trainees from communities across the country, providing the support they need to help thrive in the workplace and successfully complete their qualifications.
Future Forward Program
Veolia
Veolia’s Future Forward Program is a 5-week pre-employment program in Melbourne/Naarm, combining vocational training, hands-on learning, cultural connection, mentoring and workplace experience to equip First Nations people to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen career.
Once completing this program, there's a number of apprenticeship and traineeship career pathways that can be explored, including:
- Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
- Certificate III in Driving Operations
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication
- Certificate III in Water Industry Operations
- Certificate III in Plant Operations
- Certificate III in Business
- Certificate III in Waste Management
Cooee First Nations Traineeship program
MEGT
MEGT's Cooee First Nations Traineeship program was designed to provide participants meaningful experience across different parts of the business and equip them with the skills to succeed in their chosen career path. The12-month traineeship included three four-month work rotations throughout the MEGT workplaces. With MEGT’s ongoing support and guidance, ten trainees from communities across the country officially completed their Certificate III or IV in Business.
Ready to build a more diverse workforce?
Find out how the Pathfinders program can help you build a more diverse workforce through apprenticeships and traineeships.