Am I Eligible for an Australian Apprenticeship?

To be eligible for an Australian Apprenticeship, you need to be of working age and have the right to work in Australia. Entry requirements vary by trade and employer. Prior trade experience is generally not required. If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen with an eligible work visa, you can apply.

Other international candidates are not eligible to undertake an Australian Apprenticeship. See below for further information.

Who is Eligible to Undertake an Apprenticeship?

School leavers

If you have recently finished Year 12, or left school before completing it, you are eligible to apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship.

You do not need to have achieved a particular academic result or studied specific subjects in most cases, though some trades (such as electrician apprenticeship) and employers may have preferences around relevant subjects such as mathematics, physics or engineering.

School-based apprentices

If you are currently in Year 10, 11 or 12, you may be eligible to begin a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship part-time while you complete your secondary education. If you are under 18, you will need parent or guardian approval to commence.

Read more about how school-based apprenticeships work.

People re-entering the workforce

There is no rule that says you must go straight from school into an apprenticeship. If you have been out of the workforce for a period of time, whether due to family responsibilities, health reasons or other circumstances, you are still eligible to apply.

Adult and career changers

If you are already working and want to change direction, or are looking to formalise skills you have built up informally over the years, an adult apprenticeship pathway is open to you.

There is no upper age limit. Anyone aged 21 or over is classified as a mature age apprentice under most Modern Awards, but that classification affects your wage rate, not your eligibility.

MIGAS apprenticeships and traineeships are open to applicants of all ages unless a specific role is designated as a school-based placement.

Residency and Work Rights

To undertake an Australian Apprenticeship you must be one of the following:

• An Australian citizen
• An Australian permanent resident
• A New Zealand citizen holding an eligible work visa

Can International Students or Visa Holders Apply?

This depends on your visa type and conditions.

International students and citizens on standard student visas are not eligible to undertake an Australian Apprenticeship under the formal Australian Apprenticeships pathway, as determined by the Australian Government. Currently there is no visa that allows international applicants to enter into a Training Contract under the Australian Apprenticeships framework.

If you are in Australia on a visa other than a student visa, your eligibility will depend on your specific visa conditions and whether they permit full-time work and entry into a formal training arrangement. An Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) can advise on eligibility based on your circumstances.

If you are already trade-qualified and experienced and are looking to work in Australia in your trade, skilled migration may be a more appropriate pathway. The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website has information on skilled migration visa options.

Are There Any Other Requirements?

Licences and certifications

Some apprenticeships require you to hold specific licences or certifications before you can start. A common example is the White Card, which is a mandatory safety certification for anyone working on a construction site in Australia.

Where a licence or certification is required, it will be listed in the job advertisement and explained during the recruitment process.

Prior qualifications

While most apprenticeships do not require formal qualifications, completing a pre-vocational or pre-apprenticeship course such as a Certificate II in Engineering, Construction or a related area can strengthen your application.

These short courses are offered by TAFEs and private RTOs and give you a foundational introduction to the trade before your formal apprenticeship begins.

Work experience

Prior work experience in or around the trade, such as working as a trade assistant or labourer, is an advantage but not a requirement. Any relevant experience is worth including in your application as it demonstrates genuine interest in the field.

Ready to Apply?

MIGAS, in partnership with our host employer network, offers a range of trade apprenticeships and vocational traineeships across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

Browse current opportunities on the MIGAS Jobs Board and apply online, or register your details and we will be in touch when a suitable role becomes available in your area.