Are you a school leaver feeling overwhelmed by the employment pathway choices you face? You’re not alone! Many young Australians find it difficult to choose between higher education, travel and work after they leave school.
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine formal study with paid, hands-on training. Lasting between two and four years, these pathways lead to nationally recognised qualifications that can open doors to exciting job opportunities anywhere in Australia.
As an apprentice or trainee, you will:
• Earn money while you learn new skills
• Get real-world, hands-on experience
• Learn from industry experts
• Accelerate your career
• Get a nationally-recognised qualification without any student debt
Whether you’re choosing your first career or changing the industry you work in entirely, there’s thousands of skills and jobs to explore.
Let’s bust some apprenticeship myths
Apprenticeships are a plan ‘B’ if you don’t get into uni
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.
VET pathways don't pay very well
False! Research by Skilling Australia shows the average Vocational Education and Training (VET) graduate wage is higher than someone graduating with a Bachelor’s degree.
My parents went to uni so I should too
These days, many of the most in-demand occupations require a VET qualification.
Apprenticeships are just for tradies
False! Chefs, truck drivers and child-care workers are among the most in-demand occupations. All require a VET pathway.
Women aren’t suited to a trade
False! Female representation in trades has grown to 16% with women bringing valuable skills, perspectives and diversity to lots of different workplaces.
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 loved 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”
How MEGT can help
Our 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, nail your job interviews, and connect you with our exclusive Job Board.
We can also help you get signed up to an official Australian Apprenticeship, help you choose the right Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to deliver your training, fill you in on any government financial incentives you may potentially be eligible for, and support you throughout your entire apprenticeship.
See what jobs are available right now
Search MEGT’s Job Board to check out all the current job listings.
References
Did you know that more than 78% of VET graduates are employed after training?
https://international.cit.edu.au/about/news/higher_employment_rate_for_vet_graduates#_ftnref1
Top jobs in demand have VET pathways
https://ministers.dewr.gov.au/oconnor/top-jobs-demand-have-vet-pathways
Skills Priority List Key Findings Report 2023
https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/2023%20SPL%20Key%20Findings%20Report_0.pdf
Jobs in Australia
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/jobs/jobs-australia/latest-release
