Adult Apprenticeships: How to Find, Apply and Succeed

Key Takeaways

• Adult apprenticeships combine paid work with structured training, and they suit people changing careers, upskilling or pursuing a trade they always wanted.
• Mature age apprentices often bring work experience and clear goals. They also have commitments outside work that you need to plan around.
• Find them through industry networks, training providers, government resources and online platforms.
• Clear job descriptions and a simple selection process attract the right applicants.
• Tailor training to what the apprentice already knows, and keep feedback regular.

Introduction

Adult apprenticeships give people who have already worked, or raised a family, or studied something else, a way into a trade or occupation while earning. In Australia, an apprenticeship is no longer seen as only for school leavers. Many industries, including construction, healthcare, hospitality and information technology, take on mature age apprentices.

This guide is written mainly for employers and HR staff who want to find, select and support adult apprentices. If you are an adult thinking about starting one, there is a short section for you near the end.

Why Employers Take On Mature Age Apprentices

Adult apprentices can bring several useful qualities.

• Work experience, even in a different field, such as dealing with customers or meeting deadlines.
• Clear career goals. They have usually thought about the move.
• Maturity in handling feedback and responsibility.
• Perspectives that add to a team with a range of ages and backgrounds.

Do not assume every mature age apprentice will be the same. Each has a different history, and some will need as much support as a school leaver. Treat them as individuals.

Finding Adult Apprentices

Start by being clear about what your business needs. Which skills are short, and which roles could an apprentice fill over time? Then use a mix of channels.

• Industry networks. Associations and forums often know people looking to enter your trade.
• Training providers. Registered training organisations and colleges often have contact with people who want an apprenticeship.
• Government resources. The Apprenticeships Victoria getting started page explains the basics, and an Apprentice Connect Australian Provider can help match employers and apprentices.
• Online platforms. Job boards, professional networking sites and social media reach people who are searching.
• A group training organisation. Future1st recruits, employs and places apprentices and trainees with Victorian businesses.

For more on attracting candidates, see Strategies for Recruiting and Attracting Top Trainee Candidates.

Running the Application Stage

Make it easy for a good applicant to say yes.

• Write a clear job description that lists the duties, what the apprentice will learn and where the role could lead.
• Explain the paperwork and timelines up front. Applicants new to apprenticeships often do not know the process.
• Talk to the training provider about the training and assessment components so the role and the qualification line up.
• Use a short practical task or workplace trial to see aptitude and technical skills.
• Consider an information session or open day, so people can see the workplace and ask questions.

Our guide, Exploring the Best Apprenticeships and How to Secure Them, is a useful read for candidates too.

Helping a Mature Age Apprentice Succeed

The first months set the pattern.

• Pair the apprentice with an experienced colleague who can answer questions and share knowledge.
• Set clear expectations: learning goals, milestones and what progress looks like.
• Ask the training provider how existing skills and experience can be taken into account, so the apprentice is not repeating what they already know.
• Hold regular check-ins and listen to their input.
• Recognise commitments outside work, such as family or other jobs. Flexible rostering where you can offer it helps the apprentice stay on track.

See Strategies for Nurturing Talent in Trainees for further ideas.

Planning for Life After the Apprenticeship

Think about what comes next while the apprentice is still learning.

• Further study, such as higher certificates or specialist courses.
• Professional development, including workshops and industry events.
• Networking with others in the trade.
• Leadership or supervisory roles for those who show interest and skill.
• A clear record of what they have achieved, to help with a resume or job interview.

An apprentice who sees a future in your business is more likely to stay. Read The Impact of Trainee Programs on Employee Retention for more.

If You Are an Adult Considering an Apprenticeship

• Be clear on why you want the change, and which occupation interests you.
• Read the Apprenticeships Victoria getting started page for the steps.
• Check current apprentice pay on the Fair Work page so you can plan your finances.
• Ask any employer or provider how your existing skills will be taken into account.
• Talk to Future1st or an Apprentice Connect provider about options.

Our post The Road to Success: How to Find and Secure the Perfect Apprenticeship Opportunity has more on the candidate side.

Related Resources

• Exploring the Best Apprenticeships and How to Secure Them
• The Road to Success: How to Find and Secure the Perfect Apprenticeship Opportunity
• Strategies for Recruiting and Attracting Top Trainee Candidates
• Strategies for Nurturing Talent in Trainees
• The Impact of Trainee Programs on Employee Retention
• Hire an apprentice with Future1st

Frequently Asked Questions

Can adults do apprenticeships?

Yes. Apprenticeships are open to people of different ages, and many adults use them to change careers or build new skills.

Do adult apprentices get paid?

Yes, an apprenticeship is paid employment combined with training. Rates depend on the occupation and the stage of training, so check the Fair Work page for current information.

Do I need to study while I work?

Yes. Structured training is a core part of an apprenticeship, delivered by a training provider alongside the work.

What should employers do differently for mature age apprentices?

Recognise their experience, plan around outside commitments and tailor training so it builds on what they already know.

How does Future1st fit in?

Future1st is a Melbourne group training organisation. It recruits, employs and places apprentices and trainees with businesses in Victoria and handles payroll and training administration.

Give Experience a Place to Grow

Mature age apprentices can add skill and steadiness to a team when they are well supported. If you would like to talk about hiring one, contact Future1st about hiring an apprentice or call (03) 9656 9797.