Published on Mar 9, 2023

Mature Age Apprenticeships: Are They Worth It?

Michael Yi

At some stage in their careers, most people question whether they’ve made the right career choice. Statistically speaking, almost everyone will change jobs several times throughout their entire careers.

Long gone are the days of getting a job straight out of school and staying there until you retire — this is where a mature age apprenticeship can help. Changing careers is something that needs serious consideration before taking the plunge. However, once you’ve weighed it all up and the pros are in your favour, the change is so liberating.

A mature-age apprenticeship can open the door to a brand new career path, allowing you to complete a vocational qualification (such as a Certificate II, Certificate III or a Diploma) while gaining hands-on work experience — and getting paid.

Here are some areas you can do an adult apprenticeship:

Automotive
Disability
Hairdressing
Construction
Plumbing
Pet grooming
Childhood education
Sports coaching
Painting and decorating
Patisserie
Light and sound assistant
Massage
Occupational therapy assistance
Library assistant
Business
Sustainability
Pharmacy
Retail
Catering

What is the age of a mature age apprentice? Can adults undertake an apprenticeship?

An adult apprentice, otherwise known as a mature age apprentice, is an apprentice who begins an apprenticeship at 21 years of age or older. You can undertake a range of different Apprenticeships and Traineeships.

How much does a mature age apprentice earn in Australia?

A first-year apprentice will earn up to around $55,773 as a yearly average salary, depending on your trade and the state you live in.

“Money was a big thing, being a homeowner, but me and my wife talked about it and we made it work. There’s no point being in a job you hate. It’s only four years — you can get there. It’s worth it.”

- Jason Dobrovoljhi, 29, Certificate III in Carpentry

It’s just good to be outside, you get to relax. Tradies are just laid-back. We do have a good laugh. We work hard as well, very hard, some long days, but we’re able to make jokes, sing with our terrible voices. And it’s just great fun.

- Jason Dobrovoljhi, 29, Certificate III in Carpentry

Investing in yourself

Full-time apprenticeships usually take between 3-4 years to complete, which is a combination of on the job training and classroom studies. Any new Australian apprentice, not just mature aged apprentices, need to ask themselves if they are willing to put themselves through a lengthy training process. It’s also worth considering which type of course is the best for you, depending on the level of qualification you’re after. The reward is a nationally recognised qualification that can turn into a satisfying and lucrative career.

As an adult apprentice, you can negotiate an individual training program with your employer that could cut the length of time it takes to be qualified. Depending on the industry and the training requirements, employers and adult apprentices can discuss with a training provider (TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation) how the relevant training can be delivered in a shorter time while still meeting educational goals and the needs of the industry.

Moreover, suppose you already have skills from life and work experience that are transferrable. In that case, you may be entitled to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credit, resulting in a shorter training period to become a qualified tradesperson.

Learn more about Apprenticeships and Traineeships.

What it’s like as an adult apprentice

As an adult apprentice, there is a good chance you will be taking your instructions from someone younger than you. For some, this may be hard to take, while it could also prove uncomfortable for the younger person giving orders to an older employee. Depending on the trade, you may be asked to complete tasks beneath your level of experience or past seniority.

Menial tasks are part and parcel of an apprenticeship, particular in the early years, and being asked to complete tasks by someone younger can be a dent to the pride for some. However, adult apprentices tend to be more mature, so in most instances, this isn’t a problem given the reasons for starting the apprenticeship in the first place.

You can be an asset to the business

Because you have life experiences, a certain level of maturity and professional skills from past employment, a prospective employer may see you as an asset to the company. You could be given tasks and responsibilities younger apprentices wouldn’t be trusted with, accelerating your learning rate.

Mature age apprentices tend to be more stable in their private lives and have been through the challenges that 16-20-year-olds face. While a younger apprentice may take some time to become accustomed to a work environment, an adult apprentice can hit the ground running and be productive immediately.

Qualities of a mature age apprentice

More life experience

As a mature age apprentice (depending on how old you are), you will generally have more life experience under your belt than your younger counterparts. Employers seek apprentices who can take on constructive criticism, take on instructions well and are easy to work with. As adult workers have more life experience, employers generally believe that they are easier to train as they have better life experience.

A great attitude

A reliable, positive attitude is valued highly, and employers within these industry areas generally believe that typical mature age apprentices possess these qualities.

More passion

This is not to say that younger apprentices lack passion – that’s not always the case! But many apprentices take breaks from their course because they have struggled to concentrate on their studies. They then return as a mature age student to finish off their course and gain their qualification. There is more certainty in mature age apprentices.

“I have been through life, so you have a bit more life experience. I’ve already been in work for 15 years, so I have a pretty good work ethic. And you can help a few of the younger kids, be a ‘dad’ in a way.”

- Brock West, 31, mature age apprentice

Explore TAFE in your state

TAFE in WA
TAFE in NT
TAFE in QLD
TAFE in SA
TAFE in VIC
TAFE in NSW
TAFE in TAS

Mature age apprenticeships FAQ

Is there a maximum age for apprenticeships?

What apprenticeship pays the most?

Can a 50-year-old do an apprenticeship?

Is 30 too old to learn a trade?

Ready to get started?

Read How to Find the Apprenticeship You Want to learn all you need to know about the apprenticeship job hunt, including finding a Network Provider and how to find the perfect apprenticeship for you.

Interesting in a building or construction career?

This guide is your go-to source for information on the Australian building and construction industry. Learn all the steps you need to take to start your trade apprenticeship.

Building Your Construction Career: 2020 Information Toolkit

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