Best Apprenticeships Australia 2023 - For All Ages
Australian trade apprenticeships can be competitive.
A trend we've noticed across the host companies MIGAS works with—like BHP, Bengalla Mining Company, Jaybro, Origin Energy and Shell's QGC business—is they want proof of experience or skills.
So, what can you do to find the best apprenticeships Australia-wide in 2023? How can you determine if you have the right skills to find an apprenticeship that suits you?
How to Secure the Best Apprenticeship in Australia at Any Age
On this page:
- Under 17 Years Old (For Trade Job Seekers at School)
- 17-20 Years Old (For Younger Trade Job Seekers)
- Over 21 Years Old (For Older Trade Job Seekers)
For Trade Job Seekers at School (Under 17 Years Old)
Complete School-Based Employment
If you're still at school and looking to get ahead before graduation, Kevin Howard, Senior Apprentice Placement Specialist at MIGAS, recommends students "ask their school to assist them in getting into a relevant work experience program" like school-based employment.
Do a Pre-Apprenticeship at School
That way, you can make the most of your school hours and get a pre-apprenticeship Certificate II in [relevant trade area] before you even finish school. You can cruise from school into your pick of apprenticeships this way.
For Younger Trade Job Seekers (17-20 Years Old)
Kevin shared that, for the younger job seekers, "it is probably more about showing work ethic."
"It is definitely harder for us to promote a younger candidate to a client if there isn't any work experience at all in their background," Kevin reported.
Find Trade-Related Work Experience
Young people who want to secure an apprenticeship with a top company could consider related after-school work experience, like assisting at a local workshop, or working around cars for a few hours a week, for example, if they are interested in getting an automotive-based apprenticeship.
Non Trade-Related Work Experience is Still Useful
Another option, if you can't find somewhere to do trade-specific work experience, is to get paid experience in an unrelated job role.
Even working at McDonald's can be spun in your favour. It could show stability and progress over time. For example, working at a fast-food restaurant for two years and currently doing a team trainer or leader role while still part-time shows a potential client a good work ethic and ability to get ahead.
For Older Trade Job Seeker (Over 21 Years Old)
"Anyone who is a job seeker over 21 and looking to start an apprenticeship may need to work a bit harder to stand out, " Kevin shared.
"There is sometimes a need to promote themselves a bit more so clients will look at them above a younger candidate as there is an additional cost," he said.
Show Commitment With a Certificate II Qualification
Our best advice for older job seekers reinventing themselves is to go out and get a pre-apprenticeship qualification like a Certificate II Electrotechnology if they're seeking an electrical role, for example.
Getting a pre-apprenticeship qualification like a Certificate II in [relevant trade area] will show the host company that you "mean business in changing your vocation and career," said our resident trade recruitment specialist.
Find a Trade Job Now
These simple steps can help you stand out when applying for apprenticeship roles, so you can land a job at a sought-after company, whether you're looking to be an electrician, mechanical fitter, heavy vehicle mechanic, plumber, fitter and turner, carpenter, bricklayer or any of our other apprenticeships.
If you're looking for a job right now, we have an Australia-wide jobs board for finding apprenticeships with top companies.