Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

School-based Apprenticeships provide students 15 years old or older with practical experience, valuable employment skills and a nationally-recognised qualification while they undertake secondary school qualifications. 

They can only be done with the permission of a student’s parents or guardian, and their high school.

• Be aged 15 years and above
• Meet any specific additional requirements (e.g. electrotechnology qualifications)

School-based Apprenticeships must also:

• Have permission from the parents/guardian and school
• Find an employer
• Be a full-time student, 15 years or older

Apprentices must be at least 15 years old.

• Gain hands-on experience
• Study and earn an income
• Receive a nationally-recognised qualification
• No HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP debt 
• Your child can begin their Apprenticeship in high school through a Schools-based Apprenticeship
• Can go on to study at university with the potential to receive credit towards a degree
• Highly employable 
• The ability to own their own business

Your child can take part in Apprenticeships on a full-time, part-time or school-based basis across various industries and occupations.

There are a lot of opportunities available to your child after they complete their Apprenticeship, including: 

• Start a position as a qualified employee with hands-on experience
• Progress onto the next level with an employer (the same or a new one) 
• Use transferrable skills to move into a different role or industry
• Attend further education such as university

Yes, your child will receive a formal, nationally-recognised qualification from their Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Depending on what type of Apprenticeship they are completing, they many receive other relevant qualifications (e.g. becoming a qualified plumber).

We have a range of tools available to assess whether an Apprenticeship is suitable for your child and which qualification is appropriate.  We will provide recommendations based on your child’s interests and abilities, as well as taking into account their future goals.

Yes. Apprentices are considered employees. As such, they are entitled to minimum standards of employment just like other employees, including pay, super and maximum hours. 

The Fair Work Ombudsman has a handy pay check tool that can be used to calculate pay rates for Apprentices on its website here. For more information on pay and wages, contact Fair Work on 13 13 94. 

If your child is feeling uncertain or stressed about their training or workplace, please contact your Mas Experience Consultant so they can find an appropriate solution. They can sit down with your child to discuss what they are experiencing and take the necessary steps to mediate or resolve it. We also have a wide range of mentors who may be suitable to support your child.  In some cases, the best solution may be to transfer to a different workplace.

48.4% of apprentices secure ongoing, full time employment at the completion of their qualification. In addition to having a qualification they also have a number of years of work experience on completion of their Apprenticeship, making them highly employable.

Yes, your child can continue their studies after completing their Apprenticeship. They could choose to undertake additional vocational training or go to university.  Their current qualification may be used as recognition for prior learning towards further study, enabling them to complete their next qualification sooner.

Mas Experience is here to help your child find an Apprenticeship. You can browse our jobs board for positions across Australia and get support and guidance from Mas throughout the process. 

Undertaking an Apprenticeship is a big change for a child. Naturally, it may take them some time to find their feet and feel confident in what they’re doing. It’s important to provide them with praise, help them stay motivated and see the big picture, and not give up. 

Keep the communication up with your child and remind them that Mas’ support services can help them through any part of their journey. 

You can further support your child by:

• Knowing their timetable 
• Planning transportation 
• Discussing when exams and assignments are due 
• Rewarding your child for their hard work 
• Taking an interest in your child’s study and learnings 
• Teaching your child how to interact with a diverse range of people
• Setting goals so your child can stay motivated.