Trade apprenticeships: The most popular ones in Australia and how to sign up

More young Australians are starting trade apprenticeships in fields they’ve never gone before. SEE THE LIST AND HOW TO SIGN UP

New entry-level jobs are being created across the trades, with 2.9 per cent more people starting an apprenticeship this year than last.

The biggest jump in commencements were within the fields of automotive and engineering (up 8.4 per cent year on year) and electrotechnology and telecommunications (7.2 per cent), the Federal Government’s NCVER March quarter figures show.

There were 4270 apprentice automotive electricians and mechanics (up 6.1 per cent), 1975 apprentice mechanical engineering trades workers (14.8 per cent), 1710 apprentice fabrication engineering trades workers (10 per cent) and 1440 apprentice electronics and telecommunications trades workers (13.8 per cent) who started their training.

It’s a good time to land an apprenticeship. Picture: iStock

Skills One chief executive Brian Wexham, who is hosting free Skills and Thrills shows promoting vocational education across New South Wales this month, says people interested in a trade can begin their journey with a work placement while they are still at school.

“Often this is the first opportunity students get to see what the workplace is like and the opportunities out there and what they like and perhaps don’t like,” he says.

“Also speak to career advisers and discuss it with your parents.”

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Wexham recommends young people also consider a school-based apprenticeship, studying a vocational qualification while completing their schooling.

“It contributes to your HSC, you start to earn money, and when you finish Year 12 you have often completed the first year of your apprenticeship so it sets you well on your way,” he says.

Michael Edwards says a pre-apprenticeship is a good start. Picture: Supplied.

Skills and Thrills ambassador and Australian Training Awards 2018 Apprentice of the Year Michael Edwards says the key to getting a foot in the door of a trade is to take opportunities as they arise.

He recommends people find a pre-apprenticeship program that gives them a feel for the trade they want to enter.

For example, a Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology is a good start for an aspiring motor mechanic.

“It shows dedication to the trade they want to do, rather than just floating into the interview and saying, ‘I want to do an apprenticeship’,” the qualified mechanic and electrician says.

“(An employer can see) they are determined to follow that career path, it’s what they want to do.”

Once a person has their apprenticeship, Edwards recommends asking a lot of questions – and actually listening to the answers.

“There is nothing more valuable than having a good relationship with the tradesperson you are working for and you can establish that by listening and learning and being eager,” he says.

NSW’s free Skills and Thrills shows will run from November 14 to 27 in Mudgee, Newcastle, Cessnock, Wagga Wagga and Junee and Cootamundra.

Boilermaker Dean Canning loves his trade. Picture: AAP/Steve Pohlner

Q & A: MEET A TRADIE

Dean Canning, boilermaker, Haulmark Trailers

WHAT DO YOU DO?

We build the cattle crates that transport cattle – two storey or single storey.

I also have responsibilities now (that I am fully qualified) like training the apprentices.

WHY BOILERMAKING?

I got into it because my old man is a fitter and turner.

He did a lot of welding when I was younger and made a lot of sculptures and crazy things. That’s why I wanted to get into it, you can build anything.

I have built a home cooker barbecue and all sorts of things.

Every day I am constantly thinking of things to do.

WHAT’S YOUR QUALIFICATION?

Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication at TAFE Queensland SkillsTech

ANY COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT YOUR TRADE?

I guess the name boilermaking is off-putting and people think it’s building boilers and that’s it, but you can do anything from building roofs to bridges to artwork.

I never thought of working on trailers before I started at Haulmark.

ANY ADVICE FOR OTHERS?

In school, I did a Certificate I in Engineering and that was good experience, doing machining and welding to figure out if I liked it or not. That’s a good way to go about it.

Also, have in mind where you want to work and the type of work.

CAREER GOALS FROM HERE?

I want to work for Haulmark for a bit – now I have finished my apprenticeship, I want to give back.

A few years down the track I might branch out and do something else.

I’d like to start my own company doing something small.

I might go into the mines, that would be pretty cool.

READ MORE EMPLOYMENT NEWS IN THE CAREERS SECTION OF SATURDAY’S THE COURIER-MAIL, THE ADVERTISER, THE HERALD SUN AND THE DAILY TELEGRAPH