Skip to main content

Build your future with a First Nations apprenticeship or traineeship

MEGT’s Pathfinders program is for First Nations people looking to start an apprenticeship or traineeship. Surrounded by the right support, we'll help you step into an apprenticeship or traineeship and start a career you can be proud of.

Worker wearing orange high visibility work shirt with arms folded standing outdoors

Build your skills. Find your path.

Pathfinders is a specialist First Nations program designed to help you get into an apprenticeship or traineeship, build your skills and stay on track as you work towards your future.

You'll be matched with a dedicated First Nations Field Officer who will support you, and your host employer, from day one.

They'll get to know you, pass on their knowledge, help you navigate any hurdles along the way and provide support that includes work, training, wellbeing, life skills and connection to community.

Joining Pathfinders isn’t just about getting a job. It’s about building something real.

Completing an apprenticeship or traineeship is a huge achievement and it can open the door to a strong, rewarding career. And when you find your path, it doesn’t just change your future. It creates a ripple effect for your family and community too.
 

The right support throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship

icon
Find an apprenticeship or traineeship that's right for you

We'll help connect you with apprenticeship or traineeship opportunities that match your interests, skills and career goals.

icon
Get guidance from someone who understands

You'll be matched with a First Nations Field Officer who will walk alongside you to help you feel grounded, capable and connected. They support you throughout your entire employment journey and especially in the early stages as you prepare for work and start your new job.

icon
Be part of a supportive workplace

The Pathfinders program works with employers and supervisors who are committed to building culturally inclusive workplaces where First Nations apprentices and trainees can feel understood, included and able to thrive.

icon
Connection to community

From understanding where you come from to preparing for where you're going, you'll have support along the way. Your Field Officer can help connect you to a broad range of community organisations.

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.

Journeys Joining by BindiLee
Jake Whitney, MEGT First Nations Employment Partnerships & Pathways Manager

Have a yarn with Jake

Jake is a proud Wiradjuri man from New South Wales, now based on Naarm/Melbourne. With experience across hospitality, tourism, education, banking and finance, and the VET sector, Jake is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations people through education, training, and employment.

"My goal is to build a trusted and culturally led program that mob know, trust and want to be part of. I believe education and training have the power to change lives, and I am proud to support mob on their journey to achieve their goals and aspirations."

Kickstart your career with Pathfinders

Register your interest

Find an apprenticeship or traineeship that's right for you

With an apprenticeship or traineeship, there are more career paths than you might think! The Pathfinders program supports First Nations apprentices and trainees across a range of industries, including:

  • Building & Construction 
    Work with your hands and build practical skills to start a career in the construction industry.
     
  • Manufacturing & Engineering
    Learn how things are made and develop valuable technical skills.
     
  • IT & Cyber 
    Develop your technical capabilities for a career in a constantly evolving industry.
     
  • Business Administration
    Build a range of professional skills that can open doors across many workplaces.
     
  • Care Services
    Work closely with people and build a career helping and supporting others.
     
  • Defence
    Explore a broad range of career opportunities in one of Australia's important industries.
     
  • Hospitality
    Deliver great service across front of house and back of house roles.
young woman working in front of computer screen bank banking recruitment management services clothing computer computer desk computer hardware computer keyboard computer monitor computer mouse desk desktop computer electronic device furniture indoor office building office chair office equipment office supplies output device person personal computer personal computer hardware sitting table wall woman case study industry partners apprentices employers rms anz

Where you could work

MEGT partners with leading organisations right across Australia to help apprentices and trainees successfully complete their qualification.

Our host employer partners include: NAB, ANZ, Microsoft, Honeywell, Unisys, Chevron, Lendlease, Fujitsu, Veolia, CSR and many more!

Two people looking at a compute screen in an office environment

Real results with MEGT

MEGT has employed over 675 First Nations apprentices and trainees in industries including construction, manufacturing, defence, IT, business administration, banking and care services.

And with our expert coaching and support, apprentices and trainees employed by MEGT are 30% more likely to complete their training compared to the national average.

Apprenticeship FAQs

An apprenticeship is trade focused, such as carpentry or plumbing, leading to a trade qualification. It usually takes up to 3-4 years to complete an apprenticeship full-time.

A traineeship can be offered across a broad range of industries, such as business or IT, and leads to a certificate level qualification. It often takes 1-2 years to complete a traineeship full-time.

No, you don't need previous work experience to apply for our apprenticeships or traineeships. You can register your interest and take your first steps today.

No, you don't need a resume to apply for our apprenticeships or traineeships. You can register your interest and take your first steps today.

You'll be matched with a First Nations Field Officer who will walk alongside you to help you feel grounded, capable and connected. They support you throughout your entire employment journey and especially in the early stages as you prepare for work and start your new job.

Yes, you can contact Jake, our First Nations Field Officer. Jake is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations people through education, training, and employment.

Yes, you can still be eligible for our school-based programs. You can register your interest and take your first steps today.

You don't need corporate experience to apply for our traineeships. You can register your interest and take your first steps today.

First Nations male smiling

Get started with Pathfinders today

Whether you know exactly what you want to do or you’re still figuring it out, our Pathfinders program can help you take the next step. With MEGT by your side, you can build skills, grow your confidence and work towards a future you can be proud of. Your journey starts here.

Register your interest to take your first step.

Register your interest