How to Hire an Apprentice in Australia: A Complete Guide for Employers

Hiring an apprentice is one of the most effective ways to build long-term capability in your business.

It allows you to develop skills that match your operations, support your industry, and create a pipeline of future talent.

However, the process can be complex if you are unfamiliar with how apprenticeships work. This guide explains everything you need to know, from how apprenticeships are structured to the different ways you can employ an apprentice in Australia.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Australian Apprenticeship is a structured training arrangement that combines paid employment with formal study. The apprentice or trainee works in a real job while completing a nationally recognised qualification through a registered training organisation.

Most apprenticeships run for between three and four years, depending on the trade and qualification. During this time, the apprentice develops practical skills in the workplace while building underpinning knowledge through their training.

For employers, an apprenticeship is both an employment relationship and a training commitment.

Why Hire an Apprentice?

Businesses choose to hire apprentices for a range of reasons. At its core, an apprenticeship allows you to shape a worker’s skills from the ground up, ensuring they are trained to your standards and aligned with your business.

Apprenticeships can also support workforce planning, particularly in industries experiencing skills shortages. By investing in training, businesses reduce reliance on external recruitment and build a more stable workforce over time.

There are also broader benefits. Apprenticeships contribute to industry capability, support economic growth, and create meaningful career pathways for individuals entering the workforce.

What's Involved in Hiring an Apprentice?

Hiring an apprentice involves more than simply filling a role. As an employer, you take on responsibilities related to employment, training and compliance.

This includes paying wages and entitlements in line with the relevant award or agreement, providing a safe workplace, and supporting the apprentice’s development through structured on-the-job learning.

You are also required to enter into a training contract and work with a registered training organisation to ensure the apprentice completes their qualification. Progress must be monitored over time to ensure the apprentice is meeting competency requirements.

For many businesses, particularly those new to apprenticeships, these requirements can feel complex.

While details may vary, the process of hiring an apprentice typically follows a structured pathway.

It begins with identifying your workforce needs and defining the role. From there, candidates are recruited and assessed to ensure they are suited to the position and industry.

Once selected, a training contract is established and the apprentice is formally signed up. The apprentice then commences employment and begins their combination of on-the-job training and formal study.

Throughout the apprenticeship, progress is monitored against the training plan, with support provided to ensure successful completion.

How MIGAS Supports Employers

For businesses looking to reduce complexity, MIGAS provides a structured and supported approach to hiring apprentices.

We recruit candidates, employ them, and place them with host businesses. This allows us to manage employment obligations such as wages, superannuation, insurance and compliance obligations, while also coordinating off-the-job training with the relevant provider.

Our team maintains regular contact with both the apprentice and the host business, providing mentoring, monitoring progress, and addressing issues early.

This model allows businesses to focus on developing skills, while we manage the administrative and regulatory framework that underpins the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are suitable for a wide range of businesses, from small operators to large organisations. The key consideration is whether your business can provide a safe environment, appropriate supervision, and meaningful work that supports skill development.

For businesses that do not have the internal resources to manage employment and compliance requirements, partnering with a Group Training Organisation can provide a practical and effective solution.

To discuss your apprentice hiring needs, get in touch with MIGAS.

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How much does it cost to hire an apprentice?

Costs vary depending on the trade, award rates or relevant EBA. Using a Group Training Organisation can simplify cost structures by bundling employment and support under a service fee. As apprentices progress through their training, their wages increase on an annual basis.

Do I need experience to hire an apprentice?

No, but you do need the ability to provide a safe workplace, direct supervision, and on-the-job skills training. Many businesses partner with a GTO to support them through the process.

Can I choose my apprentice?

Yes. Whether hiring directly or through a GTO, you are involved in selecting the candidate who will work in your business.

What happens if things don’t work out?

If challenges arise, they can often be addressed through support and intervention. When using a GTO, additional flexibility is available to manage placements if needed.

Check out more frequently asked questions on apprenticeships.