An apprenticeship is one of the best pathways available to school leavers in Australia, and Queensland is one of the strongest states for getting into one. You earn a real wage while you train, you come out with a nationally recognised qualification, and you enter a trade that will always be in demand.
But the process isn’t always obvious. Here’s exactly how it works.
What an apprenticeship actually is
An apprenticeship is a formal training agreement between you, an employer, and a registered training organisation (RTO). You work for the employer, usually four days a week, and attend TAFE or an RTO one day a week to complete your qualification. The whole thing takes three to four years depending on the trade.
At the end, you’re a qualified tradesperson. In Queensland, that means a Certificate III or Certificate IV in your trade and the ability to work anywhere in Australia.
Which trades are in demand in Queensland right now
The trades with the strongest apprenticeship pipelines in Queensland include:
Electrical, electricians are in critical shortage across Queensland. Apprenticeship intakes happen constantly. Carpentry, particularly strong in South East Queensland with the Olympics build underway Plumbing, consistent demand across residential and commercial Painting and decorating, often overlooked, consistently in demand Air conditioning and refrigeration, growing fast in Queensland’s climate Automotive, mechanics are always needed, and Queensland’s geography makes cars essential
How to actually find one
Most apprenticeships aren’t advertised on mainstream job boards. Here’s where to look:
Direct employer approach. Find local businesses in your trade of choice, carpentry contractors, electrical companies, plumbing businesses, and contact them directly. Email or call. A lot of apprenticeships are filled this way before they’re ever posted anywhere.
Group Training Organisations (GTOs). GTOs employ apprentices and then place them with host employers across Queensland. The GTO handles the paperwork, and you move between worksites. BUSY At Work, Apprenticeships Are Us, and MAS National are three of the largest in Queensland.
Queensland Government apprenticeship programs. The Queensland Government has incentives for employers who take on apprentices. This makes hiring an apprentice cheaper for small businesses, which means more of them do it. Check apprenticeshipsq.com.au.
TAFE Queensland. Many TAFE campuses have employer connection programs and will know which local businesses are taking on apprentices.
What employers are looking for
When I talk to trade employers, they say the same things. They’re not hiring on grades. They’re hiring on attitude.
Show up on time. Ask questions. Don’t spend the day on your phone. Do what you’re told without arguing. Be willing to learn. That’s it. Every trade employer I’ve spoken to says the same, the technical skills can be taught. The attitude can’t.
The pay
Apprentice wages are set by the relevant Fair Work Modern Award and vary by trade and year of apprenticeship. First-year apprentices typically earn between $10 and $14 per hour. By your third and fourth year, you’re earning significantly more, and once you’re qualified, trade wages in Queensland range from $35 to $60+ per hour.
An apprenticeship is a financial trade-off in the short term. It pays off significantly long-term.
If you’re interested in the trades but not sure which direction fits you best, RooKi’s career assessment can help you figure it out. It takes about 15 minutes and tells you which career categories, including trades, match how you think and work.
Take the assessment and see if trades are the right fit for you →