Starting an apprenticeship or traineeship?
Here's everything you need to know
Congratulations on becoming an Australian Apprentice! There’s so many exciting things to do and learn, so here’s some important information to help get you started.
On this page you’ll learn:
- What you need to do to get ready for your sign-up appointment
- How MEGT will support you throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship
- What help and financial support is available to apprentices and trainees
- How to claim payments throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship
- Essential and important information and guides
- Who you can contact in your state
What you need to do to get ready for your sign-up appointment |
A sign-up appointment is an important milestone at the start of your apprenticeship journey. Your MEGT consultant will take you through your Training Contract, and explain what’s required from both yourself and your employer.
Before the appointment, you’ll take part in a half-hour Get Ready Check with an MEGT team member so we can understand and identify any support that might help you complete your apprenticeship.
Here’s what you need to bring to the sign-up appointment with MEGT:
| Proof of identity For the sign-up appointment to proceed, you must bring either ONE form of photo ID (such as a driver licence or Australian passport), or TWO other forms of ID (such as a full birth certificate, Medicare card or bank card) to your appointment. |
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| myGov login You’ll need a myGov login to access Apprenticeships Data Management System (ADMS) to claim financial incentives you may be eligible for. If you’ve ever showed someone a COVID-19 vaccination certificate on your phone, then you have a myGov login. |
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| Unique Student Identifier (USI) Your USI is needed to enrol with your Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and commence your off-the-job learning. If you don’t have a USI or are not sure, view our USI factsheet for more information. |
Are you under 18?
If you’re under 18 years old at the date of sign-up, it’s best if a parent or guardian is present at the sign-up meeting. If they can’t make it, we will need to be able to get their signature post sign-up. The Training Contract cannot be registered with the State Training Authority until parental consent is obtained.
How MEGT will support you throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship |
Starting an apprenticeship or traineeship can present some challenges, especially in the early stages of an apprenticeship or traineeship.
That’s why MEGT provides a range of tools and resources to help you and your employer navigate common challenges. Our team can also provide expert assistance and advice to help resolve short-term setbacks and, where required, can offer free one-on-one mentoring by a qualified mentor or referrals to specialist support services.
To find out more about MEGT’s mentoring and personal support services, click here.
Questions or in need of additional support?
MEGT are here to support you throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship and can be contacted on
13 MEGT (6348) or via email.
There are also many organisations that may be able to assist you throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship. This includes your State Training Authority, Fair Work Ombudsman, mental health support services and many more. Find out more about who you can contact in your state.
What help and financial support is available to apprentices and trainees |
As an apprentice or trainee, you may be eligible for government payments and other benefits to help while you work towards your qualifications and build your career. These include:
- Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment (AATSP)
- New Energy Apprentice Support Payment (NEASP)
- Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans (AASL)
- Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA)
The easiest way to see what support you might be eligible for is to view our guide to financial incentives for apprentices. You can also visit apprenticeships.gov.au and use the Apprenticeships Incentives Explorer tool.
Eligibility criteria is set out in the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System Guidelines available at https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-support-individuals/resources/australian-apprenticeships-incentive-system-guidelines.
How to claim payments throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship |
You will need to have an Apprenticeships Data Management System (ADMS) account in order to claim government incentives and/or payments. ADMS is a secure platform which supports the delivery of the Australian Apprenticeship program.
You’ll need a myGov login to access ADMS. If you don’t already have one, you can set one up after your sign-up appointment.
Need help with ADMS?
If you need a hand setting up an account, view our guide to ADMS.
If you need advice about incentives or help with making a claim via ADMS, please call 13 MEGT (6348) or email us.
Essential and important information and guides |
The following documents outline how MEGT will work with you, how we store and look after your personal information and privacy, and what to do if you have a complaint.
Commonwealth Government guides for apprentices
The following guides outline how MEGT works with the Commonwealth Government to deliver apprenticeships and traineeships, and what to expect from both MEGT and the government.
Who you can contact in your state |
Depending on where you live, there are a number of organisations who can support you throughout your apprenticeship. You may also be eligible to receive further financial incentives and support depending on your state.
Fair Work Ombudsman
Information about wages and terms and conditions of employment.
Services Australia
Find out if you are eligible for income support through Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY.
Mental health support
Lifeline
BeyondBlue
Suicide Call Back Service
SANE
The Butterfly Foundation
Quitline
Gambling Help Online
Learning support
Reading Writing Hotline
Skills for Education and Employment (SEE)
State Training Authority - Skills Canberra
Skills Canberra regulates education and training providers in the Australian Capital Territory.
State Training Authority - Training Services NSW
Training Services NSW regulates education and training providers in New South Wales.
PO Box 5068, Parramatta NSW 2124
State Incentives
Apprentice Vehicle Registration Rebate
A rebate of $100 may be available to assist you with the cost of registering your motor vehicle in your first and second year of an apprenticeship. Check your eligiblity at Skills NSW.
Travel, Accommodation and Relocation assistance package
Financial assistance may be available to eligible apprentices and new entrant trainees in NSW to assist in meeting some of the costs associated with training. Find out more by visiting Skills NSW.
Transport Concession Entitlement Card
If you are an eligible apprentice or trainee and have a Transport Concession Entitlement Card, you may be entitled to concession fares on public transport in NSW. Visit Skills NSW to find out more.
State Training Authority – Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training regulates education and training providers in Queensland.
PO Box 15483, City East QLD 4001
State Incentives
Free Tools for First Years program
If you are in the first year of a construction, plumbing or electrical apprenticeship, you may be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000 to cover the cost of tools you purchased for the apprenticeship. For more information visit Free Tools for First Years program.
Travel and accommodation allowance
Financial assistance may be available to eligible apprentices in QLD to assist in meeting some of the costs associated with training. Find out more via the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training website.
State Training Authority - Department of Education - Skills SA
The Department of Education regulates education and training providers in South Australia.
GPO Box 1152, Adelaide SA 5001
State Training Authority - Skills Tasmania
Skills Tasmania regulates education and training providers in Tasmania.
GPO Box 536, Hobart TAS 7001
State Training Authority - Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
The VRQA regulates education and training providers in Victoria.
GPO Box 2317, Melbourne VIC 3001
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Advice about harassment or discrimination at work or in training in Victoria.
Apprenticeships Victoria
A dedicated Apprenticeship Support hotline is available.
State Incentives
Trade apprentice registration discount
If you’re a trade apprentice using your car for work, you may be eligible to get 100% off your registration renewal. Find out more on the VicRoads website.
Apprenticeship Office
The Department of Training and Workforce Development (Apprenticeship Office) registers and administers training contracts, and regulates the apprenticeship system in Western Australia.
Locked Bag 16, Osborne Park DC WA 6916
State Incentives
Apprentice Support Bonus
The Apprentice Support Bonus is an annual payment made directly to eligible apprentices and trainees on the anniversary of their apprenticeship/traineeship commencement date. You can receive this payment if you are a new or existing apprentice or trainee who reaches the anniversary of your commencement after 1 July 2024. Find out if you are eligible on the CTF website.
Drivers Licence Support Program
CTF Driver’s Licence Training Support Program gives students the opportunity to obtain a driver’s licence while ensuring apprentices entering the construction workforce are job ready. Find out if you are eligible on the CTF website.
Throughout your apprenticeship, if you have questions or need additional support, please call 13 MEGT (6348) or email us.
