We’ve had a blast in recent months chatting with apprentices and trainees from a wide range of occupations!
Apprenticeships are available in more occupations than ever, with the Skills Priority List updated annually.
Following all our great employee interviews, we thought it might be a great time to revisit what’s happening across Australian apprenticeships and bring you the best need-to-know updates.
Let’s take a look.
Update One: New Priority Occupations Added
For 2023, the federal government has updated its Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, adding an extra 39 occupations – bringing the total occupations available to 111.
Many new roles are available, including horse trainer, beauty specialist, dental assistant, veterinary nurse, tour guide and youth worker. It also includes exciting new construction, trades and engineering roles such as mechanical engineering technician, metal polisher and electroplater.
Check out the complete list right here.
Update Two: Additional Financial Support Available
The Australian Government’s commitment to net zero emissions has been significantly boosted with the launch of the New Energy Apprenticeships program.
Australian apprentices undertaking a Certificate III or above may be eligible for a new support payment of up to $10,000 over four years if engaged in a clean energy occupation as identified in the Skills Priority List.
Eligibility requires employment that undertakes activities principally motivated by producing renewable energy.
Update Three: More Support for Women & Girls in Trades
Women across the industry make up just 3% of those employed in electrical trades and only 1% in construction, engineering and automotive trades.
There are skills shortages across all trades, and women play a huge part in meeting the demands of employers everywhere. Apprentice Support offers mentoring opportunities for women interested in getting started and seeing where a thriving trades career could take you.
Update Four: The Digital Skills Cadetship Program
The Digital Skills Cadetship Trial is providing over $10 million to support innovative approaches to cadetships for digital career paths to support the Australian Government’s goal of reaching the target of 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030.
The current demand for skills across various digital fields, including cybersecurity, web development, data analytics and cloud computing, drives the trial.
Various cohorts are being targeted, with some specifically emphasising supporting women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or migrants into the tech workforce.
Three projects are actively training cadets and placing them with employers. The trials will be evaluated at the end of 2023, looking to grow the programs in the future.
Is it Better to Go to University or Do an Apprenticeship?
One of the biggest questions we often get about apprenticeships is whether or not they’re ‘better’ or as ‘good as’ going to university. There is no ‘better’ option, just the one that works for you and what you want.
This decision is highly personal, but it’s worth knowing the two aren’t mutually exclusive.
There’s no reason you can’t complete an apprenticeship to get your foot on the ladder and decide to gain a degree now that you know you’ve found the industry you’re passionate about and what to learn more about.
Spend time thinking about your overall career goals, what you want to achieve in life, and what’s important to you now and in the future. Weigh these things up against the pros and cons of university and apprenticeships.
How Can I Find Out More About Apprenticeships in My State?
Each state and territory across Australia has slightly different guidelines, regulations, requirements and recognition for apprenticeships and traineeships.
You can find more information about your state and apprenticeship/ pathways through the following:
- The Job and Training Descriptions Search: This lets you see what apprenticeships and traineeships are available in your state or territory.
- Local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers: Providers can discuss what’s available in your location and the employers you could work with.
- Your state or territory Department of Education and Training: These departments have lists of the apprenticeships and traineeships available and all other relevant details.
- Explore Careers Jobs page: Many of our employer partners have exciting apprenticeship opportunities, including many that actively support young women to get involved!
