Frequently Asked Questions for Job Seekers

Apprenticeships generally take up to four years.

• Study and earn an income
• Gain hands-on experience
• Receive a nationally-recognised qualification
• No HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP debt 
• You can begin your Apprenticeship  while you’re still in high school through a school-based Apprenticeship
• Stepping stones to start your chosen career
• Can lead to other pathways (e.g. completing an Apprenticeship in childcare before studying teaching at university).

Yes, you absolutely can. If you have study commitments, you can complete your Apprenticeship part-time.

If you are interested in becoming an Apprentice, contact your local Mas Consultant and we’ll contact you to organise a one-on-one consultation to discuss your skills, strengths and career goals. 

Once we place you into the right Apprenticeship, Mas provides mentorship and guidance throughout to ensure you get the best outcome.  

The training aspect of your Apprenticeship will be completed with the help of a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). 

Mas is available throughout your Apprenticeship to provide advice and support.

As an Australian Apprentice, you are employed on a formal training contract. As such, you have the right to fair pay and entitlements. Payment should reflect experience and knowledge and should increase as you progress through your Apprenticeship. The Fair Work Ombudsman has a useful tool called P.A.C.T that can be used to calculate pay rates Australian Apprentices on its website.

Australian Apprentices are entitled to receive wages and conditions under applicable awards. You may also be eligible to receive government incentives and financial support.

Deciding what you’d like to do for your career might feel daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Your local Mas Consultant will sit down with you to discuss your skills and interests, and help you to discover a pathway that excites you. Click here to explore the trade careers available. 

• Get in touch with your local Mas Consultant to organise a consultation 
• Create a resume to give to potential employers through AirCV
  (Don’t worry if you don’t have any experience in the industry yet. Think about any useful skills or knowledge you’ve acquired in other jobs or at school) 
• We’ll match you up with a suitable Apprenticeship and will walk you through the entire process.

Your Apprenticeship is complete when:

• Your employer confirms that you are competent in the workplace with your recognised Training Organisation;
• Your Registered Training Organisation (RTO) enters your employer information into the Apprenticeship database; and
• You reach all the competencies in your training plan.

Yes, if you complete all the competencies listed in your training plan and your employer believes you are competent in the workplace, you can complete your Apprenticeship sooner than the end date.

If you’re experiencing issues with your Apprenticeship, you can reach out to Mas at any time to assist with advice and mediation.

You will be on a probationary period for a defined period at the beginning of your Apprenticeship. During this period, either you or your employer can choose to cancel the contract. After the probationary period is over, the Apprenticeship can only be cancelled or suspended if both parties agree to do so.

Yes, there will be a probation period at the beginning of your Apprenticeship and the length and conditions of the probation will vary depending on the state you live in.

Call 1300 MAS NAT (1300 627 628) or fill out our contact form to speak with someone who can help you find the right Apprenticeship for you.

Each award and agreement has its own rules. Please contact the Fair Work Commission on 1300 799 675 to clarify exact details.

Call 1300 MAS NAT (1300 627 628) and we will refer you to one of our qualified Apprentice Mentors.

Call 1300 MAS NAT (1300 627 628) or speak with your local Mas Consultant for further information on how to apply, opt-in or opt-out.