Leaving school and looking for a rewarding career?

Female drilling into ply wood

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.”

Ky screwing light switch into wall
Electrical apprentice Ky on the tools

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”

Emily standing on a field looking at the camera
Emily working at the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm

How 91can 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.

Job Board

References
Did you know that more than 78% of VET graduates are employed after training?
Top jobs in demand have VET pathways
Skills Priority List Key Findings Report 2023 91
Jobs in Australia