Apprenticeships
The building and construction industry is Australia’s largest employer of trade apprentices. Apprenticeships remain the main entry point into the industry for people wanting to progress to be qualified trades workers, trade subcontractors, licensed builders or other industry professionals.
A Kickstart bonus of $3350 has been made available by the Commonwealth for small to medium businesses and group training organisations that take on an apprentice in most construction trades until 30 April 2013. For more information, contact your local Master Builders Apprenticeship Engagement Officer.
Construction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme
The Construction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme (CAMS) is a major national initiative of Master Builders Australia to improve apprenticeship completions and enhance career opportunities in the building and construction industry. CAMS offers a range of services, including matching current apprentices to specially trained industry volunteers for one-on-one support on work and life issues. To sign up for mentoring or to volunteer as a mentor, visit our CAMS page or for more information email cams@masterbuilders.com.au.
Apprenticeship Factsheets
Master Builders has released a series of factsheets for apprentices, prospective apprentices and employers as part of the Construction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme (CAMS) Pathways into Building and Construction Project.
The following factsheets are currently available under CAMS Pathways into Building and Construction. Factsheets are also available in hard copy by contacting your local Master Builders office.
- So you want to be a construction apprentice?
- Choosing the right construction trade
- Pre-apprenticeships and school pathway programs
- The Construction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme
- Apprenticeship terms and conditions
- Master Builders' Apprenticeship Services
- Master Builders’ top tips for apprenticeship success
- Staying well in the construction industry
- An employer guide to taking on an apprentice
- Managing workplace conflicts and disputes (updated April 2013)
- Women in building and construction (forthcoming)
- Study skills to get you through off-the-job training (forthcoming)
- Construction apprenticeships: what parents need to know (forthcoming)
- Anxiety, depression and suicide: getting help for you and your mates (forthcoming)
- Support for Indigenous apprentices and their employers (forthcoming)
Detailed information about the individual construction trades, and other occupations in the building and construction industry, can be found in the Careers section of this website.
The CAMS Pathways into Building and Construction Project is supported by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education through the Australian Apprenticeships Advisers Program.
Master Builders Apprenticeship Group Training
Master Builders operates Apprenticeship Group Training Schemes based in Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra and Adelaide. Under group scheme arrangements, apprentices are employed by Master Builders for the duration of their apprenticeship, and may be placed with various employers during that period. All members of the building and construction industry have access to apprentices through the group schemes operated by the various Master Builders Associations. These schemes allow builders and sub-contractors to host apprentices for periods as short as one week up to the full indenture term, without the normal administrative load and up to four year commitment of a directly employed apprentice.
Interested employers and apprentices seeking employment should contact their local Master Builders Association.
Helpful websites