Start a Trade Apprenticeship Today
Start a paid apprenticeship with hands-on training in carpentry, tiling, painting and more – earn while you build a successful career with our expert-led apprenticeship training.
Why do an apprenticeship?
Earn while you learn
Make money from day one while building your career. Unlike traditional study, apprenticeships put you straight into paid work. You’ll earn a wage while gaining hands-on experience and working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Graduate with a qualification that’s respected Australia-wide. Your Certificate III trade qualification opens doors across the country and provides a foundation for further education or business ownership.
Graduate with a qualification that’s respected Australia-wide. Your Certificate III trade qualification opens doors across the country and provides a foundation for further education or business ownership.
If eligible, access government incentives, including up to $5,000 for entering a priority trade qualification and potential access to a $25,374 interest-free Trade Support Loan. Plus, your training costs may be government-subsidised.
Choose your qualification
Learn carpentry skills for residential and commercial construction projects.
Learn professional tiling skills for residential and commercial spaces.
Learn wall and ceiling installation techniques for residential and commercial projects.
CPC31220 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
Learn concreting techniques for construction projects of all sizes.
Learn bricklaying skills for walls, structures, and architectural features.
Learn painting and decorating techniques for interior and exterior projects.
Learn waterproofing techniques to protect buildings from water damage.
Jamie - Previous Apprentice of the Year
“I’d highly recommend Everthought. The practical training was definitely the highlight – their facilities are excellent. The teachers and lecturers all provide exactly what you need to succeed in the job, and they give you the confidence to go out and apply those skills in the real world.”
How to become an apprentice
Starting your journey toward a trade qualification is simpler than you might think. The process breaks down into 3 steps.
Securing an apprenticeship is the first step toward your rewarding trade career, and we’re here to guide you through the process. At Everthought, we can connect you with employers in our extensive industry network who are looking for committed apprentices like you.
The second step is the training contract. It’s a legal document that formalises your apprenticeship.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Your employer will initiate the training contract process
- The contract outlines both your and your employer’s responsibilities
- It specifies the qualification you’ll work toward
- Details your employment conditions, including wages and hours
- Sets the expected duration of your apprenticeship
- Name your chosen Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Both you and your employer must sign the contract, and if you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. The contract is then registered with your state training authority, officially beginning your apprenticeship.
Once your contract is registered, your apprenticeship journey begins. This combines:
On-the-job learning:
- Working alongside experienced tradespersons
- Learning practical skills in real work situations
- Following workplace safety procedures
- Building your tool knowledge and handling skills
- Developing problem-solving abilities on actual projects
Formal training through your RTO:
- Regular sessions with qualified trainers
- Learning essential theory behind your trade
- Access to purpose-built training facilities
- Structured competency-based assessments
- Support materials and resources
- Progress tracking toward your qualification
You’ll typically spend most of your time on-site with your employer, with occasional scheduled training sessions at our facilities if necessary. Your dedicated trainer will work with both you and your employer to ensure your learning progresses smoothly across both environments.
Start your trade journey today
Purpose-built facilities
Our state-of-the-art purpose-built training facility in Queensland and Perth is designed to complement your on-site apprenticeship experience with flexible learning options. Access our professional training environment when you need it, keeping you productive on the job while still mastering all required competencies.
Frequently asked questions
If you still have questions, our team will be happy to help. Please reach out at info@everthought.edu.au.
An apprenticeship is a structured training arrangement that combines paid employment with formal education to help you learn a skilled trade. As an apprentice, you’ll work for an employer who provides on-the-job training while also attending formal training sessions with us as your Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
During your apprenticeship, you’ll:
- Earn a wage while learning practical skills in a real workplace
- Receive formal training to develop the technical knowledge behind your trade
- Work toward a nationally recognised qualification (typically a Certificate III)
- Learn from experienced tradespeople and qualified trainers
- Develop both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed for your trade
Apprenticeships typically last 3-4 years, though this can vary depending on your trade and how quickly you develop the required skills.
Apprentice wages are regulated by awards and agreements, with rates increasing as you progress through your apprenticeship. First-year apprentices typically earn a percentage of a qualified tradesperson’s wage, with this percentage increasing each year until you complete your qualification.
Your exact pay will depend on:
- Your trade and relevant award
- Your year of apprenticeship
- Your age
- Any additional agreements with your employer
Most trade apprenticeships take 3-4 years to complete, though the exact duration depends on several factors:
- Your specific trade (some require more training hours than others)
- Your learning pace and ability to demonstrate competency
- Whether you’re studying full-time or part-time
- Any prior experience or training you may have
At Everthought, we offer a competency-based training approach, which means you can progress at your own pace. If you demonstrate the required skills and knowledge more quickly, you may be able to complete your apprenticeship sooner than the standard timeframe.
Your apprenticeship is completed when you’ve:
- Fulfilled the required hours of on-the-job training
- Successfully demonstrated competency in all required skills
- Completed all theoretical components of your training
- Been signed off by both your employer and our training assessors
We’ll work with you and your employer to develop a training plan with clear milestones, helping you track your progress throughout your apprenticeship journey.
We’ll assist you in finding an employer who will hire you as an apprentice. We can connect you with employers in our extensive industry network who are looking for committed apprentices like yourself.
There is no upper age limit for starting an apprenticeship in Australia, and the minimum age varies by state but is typically 15 years old. Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age who is legally able to work in Australia.
Age considerations:
- School leavers (15-19 years) make up a large percentage of new apprentices
- Adult apprentices (21+ years) are increasingly common and often bring valuable life experience
- Mature-age apprentices (30+ years) are welcome and may qualify for additional support
Many employers value the maturity, work ethic, and life experience that older apprentices bring to the workplace. Adult apprentices may also receive higher minimum wages under certain awards and agreements.
At Everthought, we train apprentices of all ages and backgrounds. Our flexible training approach is designed to accommodate different life circumstances, whether you’re a school leaver or making a mid-career change.
Depending on eligibility, the Australian Government offers several financial incentives and support programs for apprentices:
Financial Support:
- Trade Support Loans of up to $20,000 (interest-free) to help with living expenses and tools
- The Australian Apprenticeship Priority List payment of up to $5,000 for entering priority trades
- Living Away From Home Allowance if you need to relocate for your apprenticeship
- Subsidised training fees through state and territory funding
Additional Support:
- Various state-based subsidies for tools, travel, and accommodation
- Additional support for apprentices with disabilities
- Mentoring programs in many regions
We don’t determine eligibility for any government incentives or support programs mentioned above. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the relevant government departments and funding bodies. We can provide general information about potential options.
Take the first step toward your trade qualification
Simply enter your details and a we’ll be in contact to walk you through the steps to enrol in our trade apprentice training.
