Modern Australian apprenticeships are for people of all ages. Mature age apprenticeships, also known as Adult Apprenticeships, offer numerous benefits for apprentices and employers alike. These apprenticeships provide individuals with the opportunity to change career, re-enter the workforce or to gain new skills in their current role.
The 'Adult Apprenticeship' does not exist as a separate apprenticeship or traineeship. Mature age apprenticeships are available to anyone with the eligibility to work in Australia of working age. In areas surrounding financial incentives and wages, there are a few differences affecting employers and mature age apprentices.
Who is eligible to start a mature age apprenticeship?
People of working age who are eligible to work in Australia can apply to do a mature age apprenticeship. Formal qualifications are not required; however, employers are often keen to hear about achievements at school, the level of relevant skills and any experience. In some work areas, the job may be physically demanding, therefore, it is highly recommended to do your homework and thoroughly research the prospective field before applying to become an adult apprentice in it.
What age is considered an adult apprentice?
An adult apprentice is classified as any apprentice that is:
- 21 years old or older at the start of the adult apprenticeship either on or after July the first 2019
- 25 years old or older prior to July 2019 at the start of the adult apprenticeship
Being an adult apprentice also means you may qualify for adult apprentice pay rates, but this depends on the award and state.
What if I'm over X years old?
There is no upper age limit for adult apprentices; you just have to be of working age. This is great news for people who want to rejoin the workforce after a number of years or re-skill in order to change careers. Adult apprenticeships are open to all ages.
Reasons for starting a mature age apprenticeship
If you have been out of work for some time, or you want to change careers, you may decide to start an adult apprenticeship. You get to learn while you work and achieving a nationally-recognised qualification can be a great source of pride and satisfaction.
It is also a great time to start an adult apprenticeship, as the system is changing to make adult apprentices more attractive to employers, which means more opportunities should open up.
Statistics show that the Australian workforce is getting older and workers of mature age are seen as a source of new skills and experience, and are seen as a vital aspect of modern business growth. This is the reason that the Australian Government has implemented changes to the current system to help mature apprentices to get new apprenticeships.
The benefits of starting an adult apprenticeship
There are several benefits associated with starting an adult apprenticeship. It allows mature age apprentices the opportunity to undergo training, work and gain experience.
- The main benefit of doing an apprenticeship is being able to earn a wage while you learn.
- Apprenticeships can be very flexible, they can be done full time or part time.
- Australian apprenticeships lead to a nationally recognised qualification, this can provide apprentices with new career opportunities.
- If you have worked before, the skills and experience you gained there might provide you with credit. This means your training period could be shortened.
- You have workplace rights, such as annual leave and public holidays.
- As an Australian apprentice, you also have the opportunity to gain financial assistance from the Australian Government for the duration of the apprenticeship.
- You can also use your apprenticeship as a pathway to higher level qualifications, this includes further vocational qualifications and university courses.
The benefits of adult apprenticeships to employers
There are many benefits for employers taking on adult apprentices, including the possibility of receiving extra financial support for any apprentices who are over 45. This type of incentive does depend on various factors and to find out your eligibility you need to contact your local Apprenticeship Network provider.
Aside from the financial incentives, hiring adult apprentices can also attractive due to the likelihood of them having previous working experience. This means they are likely to possess a wider range of skills, including communication and interpersonal skills, and overall business experience when compared to a younger counterpart. This can help them progress faster and allow business' to expand their skilled workforce quicker.
What are the negative aspects to doing an adult apprenticeship?
The biggest concern many adult apprentices face when considering an adult apprenticeship is the financial side of things, as the earnings may be significantly lower than your current job. It is important to carefully evaluate this, particularly if others depend on you financially.
Another potential negative is if you pick the wrong course for you. Research your prospective apprenticeship thoroughly and try to find an adult apprenticeship that you think you will enjoy and thrive. You probably don't want to end up in the position of finishing your apprenticeship only to realise you wished you did a different apprenticeship and then need to go back to the beginning again.
You also need to think carefully about the amount of pressure you will be under when you start your apprenticeship. Some adult apprenticeships are known to be hard work, especially if you are returning to work after a long period of unemployment. It is also worth noting that some individuals do extremely well under pressure. However, it is best to give all these types of things careful consideration if you are thinking of becoming a mature apprentice.
How to get mature age apprenticeship
If you want to apply to become a mature apprentice, you need to make contact with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider. They can help you to:
- Get advice and support throughout your apprenticeship
- Be assessed for eligibility for a Trade Support Loan and other benefits
- Get a contract for you and your employer
- Find a suitable placement
- Find an appropriate training organisation
How is an apprenticeship structured?
Australian apprenticeships consist of a combination of formal learning and training at work. Mature age apprentices will gain access to on-the-job training whilst working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Training is designed in individual units which all add up to a formal qualification. As each unit has both practical and theoretical components, you can complete the training as soon as you have mastered the tasks and duties. Qualifications are flexible, meeting the needs of your employer. This enables training to develop employees who are both productive and have the knowledge to excel at work.
Are businesses in Australia employing mature age apprentices?
More businesses in Australia are taking on mature apprentices. Between 1996 and 2018 the number of adult apprentices has grown significantly when compared to younger apprentices:
- An increase from 22% to 39% of adult apprentices working in a non-trade
- An increase from 8% to 22% of adult apprentices working in a trade.
More information about the above statistics can be found here: http://hdl.voced.edu.au/10707/426236
Further information about statistics from 2016 onwards can be found here: https://www.ncver.edu.au/research-and-statistics/collections/apprentices-and-trainees-collection
It's up to the employer to decide which applicant to take on as an adult apprentice. Some will look at your background; others will make the hiring decision from a financial standpoint. Some employers simply can't afford to take on a new apprentice. You might run into this when you're applying for various apprenticeship positions.
What if I have knowledge, skills and experience?
For individuals with working knowledge, skills and work experience, qualifications or study experience there is Recognition of Prior Learning. Through this method of assessing your learning so far, you can gain credit that counts towards a qualification related to your adult apprenticeship.
Recognition of Prior Learning is undertaken with a Registered Training Organisation. This can be with TAFE or with a private training provider.
Mature age apprentice wages
Information about wages and governmental incentives which apply to adult apprenticeships is essential reading if you are thinking of becoming an apprentice. You will want to familiarise yourself with this information.
Wages, entitlements and financial support will vary between industries and occupations. Therefore, you will need to do some research depending on the area of work you choose to pursue. The employer and the apprentice should be familiar with rates of pay and incentives linked to the specific award.
Questions about wages and awards for your adult apprenticeship can be addressed by the Fair Work Ombudsman. It's important to note that adult apprentices typically have lower pay than other trained members of the workforce. But you really need to look at the specific award to know what benefits, if any, you are entitled to.
In order to find out about wages, entitlement and financial support, call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94.
Why are there employer incentives?
It should be stressed that employer incentives are often the reason an employer will take on an adult apprentice. Employer incentives are paid to help businesses take on new apprentices. With these incentives, more apprentices are being taken on.
The AAP website has details about the different types of financial support available for employers. You can find the information you need here.
What about the new incentives program?
The Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program (AAIP) is going to be replaced by a new, easy to understand and streamlined program. This is great news for both employers and adult apprentices. The changes are going to take place from the first of July 2020.
Eligible employers taking on apprentices studying for a Certificate III or above can claim a $1,500 incentive on commencement. This money is paid out when the apprentice has been studying and working for six months. On completion of the apprenticeship, $2,500 will be paid out. If the apprentice is an existing employee working in an area of national skill need the incentive can be claimed.
When apprentices have had to leave their previous position in the middle of their apprenticeship, a $750 recommencement incentive will be available for eligible employers. As well as this, eligible employers will be able to access additional incentives outlined below:
- When the apprentice is Australian school-based or in a rural or regional area $1,500 will be awarded
- When the apprentice is 21 or over after working for 12 months in an occupation in the National Skills Needs List, a further $4,000 will be paid out
- Employers with disadvantaged workers aged 45 or older can receive $1,500 throughout the apprenticeship
The upcoming changes are going to make apprentices more attractive to employers. The benefits are that more employers are going to decide to take on apprentices in future.
Details about the changes can be found here.
Further benefits for apprentices and employers
From July next year, eligible employers and apprentices can benefit from the Additional Identified Skills Shortage Payment (AISSP). This payment is available in occupations where there is a national skills shortage. In order to be eligible for an AISPP, the apprentice must be new to the employer and be studying for a Certificate III or IV level qualification. The apprenticeship must lead to one of ten occupations.
What is the duration of an adult apprenticeship?
The duration of an adult apprenticeship will vary depending on if it is full time or part time. If you are applying to do a full time apprenticeship, it could take you up to 4 years to complete. However, if you are considering doing a part time apprenticeship, this could take even longer to finish.
Removing “barriers” to starting an adult apprenticeship
The Support for Adult Australian Apprentices (SAAA) is a scheme which was set up as a means of removing “barriers” to starting an apprenticeship. Through the scheme, apprentices are encouraged to build vital work skills. Payments are paid to the employer of a mature apprentice.
Eligible employers can get SAAA payments when the adult apprentice is in the process of studying for a “Certificate III or IV level qualification” which is on the “National Skills needs list.” The apprentice must be receiving the “National Minimum Wage” from their employer and meet “eligibility criteria.”
More details about SAAA payments can be found here.
What financial assistance is available to adult apprentices?
The Australian Government provides financial assistance to help with paying the costs associated with starting an apprenticeship. There is currently a variety of financial support available for Australian adult apprentices. Here is a brief overview of the help available.
1. Skills Shortage Payment for adult apprentices
From the beginning of July, 2019 eligible apprentices in occupations with skills shortages could get the Additional Identified Skills Shortage Payment. There are 10 occupations currently experiencing skills shortages on a national level.
In order to be eligible for the payment, "the apprentice must be new to the employer, commencing a Certificate III or IV level qualification on or after 1 July 2019 leading to one of ten occupations experiencing national skills shortages." Usually, employers can only claim for additional apprentices. However, apprentices in the 10 occupations experiencing skills shortages will be eligible as long as they are working towards a certificate III or IV qualification.
More information about the payment is available here.
2. Trade Support Loans for adult apprentices
Trade Support Loans are for helping apprentices with day-to-day expenses during the course of an apprenticeship. Throughout an apprenticeship, eligible apprentices can receive as much as $21,078. The amount payable depends on the year you start your apprenticeship.
You may be entitled to a Trade Support Loan if you are:
- Working towards gaining a Certificate II, III or IV leading to a Trade Support Loans Priority List occupation; or
- Working towards gaining a Certificate II, III or IV leading to a Trade Support Loans Priority List agricultural qualification; or
- Working towards gaining a Certificate II, III or IV leading to a Trade Support Loans Priority List horticulture qualification
3. Living Away from Home Allowance for young apprentices and the homeless
Living Away from Home Allowance is available for eligible apprentices who need to move away from their parental home during the first three years of an apprenticeship.
The allowance is available for eligible apprentices who start and remain in their apprenticeships but need to move away from home. If you need to move home to get a good training there is also scope to do so. Adult apprentices who become homeless during their adult apprenticeship may also be eligible for assistance.
4. Apprentice disability assistance
Apprentices affected by a disability are provided with additional assistance when that disability is affecting their ability to take part in “off-the-job training.” This assistance is provided as “tutorial, interpreter and mentor services for apprentices”
Details of all the financial support for Australian apprentices is available here.
To get specific and personal feedback on what financial assistance you may be entitled too, contact your local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network. To find your nearest one visit Australian Apprenticeships.
Choosing an adult apprenticeship
Choosing a new career direction isn't always an easy task. It can be quite daunting. If you aren't yet sure which apprenticeship to choose, this is no problem. Throughout Australia, there are a range of apprenticeships available. Support is provided to those who want to become an apprentice. This support is provided by the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network.
If you still aren't sure which apprenticeship to start you may also find extra information here.
Good luck!