What is an apprenticeship?
Whether you’re choosing your first career or changing paths, as an apprentice or trainee, you'll benefit by:
- Earning money while gaining real-world, hands-on experience
- Learning new skills without the debt
- Being guided by industry experts
- Building connections in an industry you're interested in
- Accelerating your career
- Gaining a nationally-recognised qualification
Let’s bust some apprenticeship myths
False! Apprenticeships and traineeships lead to many of the same careers as university courses, and are much better for those who prefer hands-on learning.
Apprenticeships and traineeships are available across a range of industries and occupations in areas of growth areas including:
- clean energy
- aged care and support
- health care
- disability support
- construction
- technology and digital
- information technology
- early childhood education and care
False! Research shows Vocational Education and Training (VET) employment outcomes match those of University graduates. A report by Skilling Australia also shows that the average VET graduate wage is higher than someone graduating with a Bachelor’s degree.
A VET education opens the doors to in-demand and well-paid career paths. For example, a Certificate IV in Building and Construction leads to roles like a construction manager and a Certificate IV in Financial Services paves the way for careers as a financial investment manager.
False! The world of work is constantly evolving and so too is the VET sector.
The 2024 Jobs and Skills Report estimates that over 90% of employment growth over the next 10 years will be in jobs that need post-secondary qualifications, with 4 in 5 attainable via a VET pathway.
False! Apprenticeships and traineeships offer hundreds of pathways.
The current Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, based on the 2023 Skills Priority List, shows over 580 qualifications leading into over 120 in-demand occupations. These include ambulance officers, arborists, bakers, chefs, childcare workers, dental prosthetists, flight attendants, horse trainers, pharmacy technicians, security officers, tour guides and more!
Stories from real apprentices and trainees
Ky, VIC
Following his school-based apprenticeship, Ky began his electrical apprenticeship as soon as he finished school. “I definitely thought about uni but I found this way would give me a head start. I’ve love working, and the fact that no two days are the same.”
Emily, VIC
Emily began her electrical apprentice with Goldwind, servicing and maintaining wind turbines on the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm. “I knew university wasn’t for me, but it wasn’t until I met my partner and started helping him outside that I realised it didn’t feel like work! So, I got a job at the wind farm and I love it”
Luke, VIC
Having recently completed his apprenticeship, Luke is excited about the future and not having a HECS debt! “I chose to do an apprenticeship because I wanted to get out in the real world. Now, after four years, I can go anywhere, open my own business, travel, or do further study.”
MEGT can help
The MEGT Job Board is where you’ll find hundreds of apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities around Australia.
Our job seeker toolkit helps you craft ace resumes and cover letters and nail your job interviews.
Once you secure a job, we can help you get signed up to officially be an Australian Apprenticeship, help you choose the right Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to deliver your training, check which government financial incentives you may potentially be eligible for, and support you throughout your entire apprenticeship.