In this post
- What is the age of a mature age apprentice? Can adults undertake an apprenticeship?
- How much does a mature age apprentice earn in Australia?
- Investing in yourself
- What it’s like as an adult apprentice
- You can be an asset to the business
- Qualities of a mature age apprentice
- Mature age apprenticeships FAQ
- Browse Results
Mature Age Apprenticeships: Are They Worth It?
Michael Yi
In this post Show
- What is the age of a mature age apprentice? Can adults undertake an apprenticeship?
- How much does a mature age apprentice earn in Australia?
- Investing in yourself
- What it’s like as an adult apprentice
- You can be an asset to the business
- Qualities of a mature age apprentice
- Mature age apprenticeships FAQ
- Browse Results
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.”
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.
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.”
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?
There’s no maximum age for Australian apprenticeships. Anybody can start an apprenticeship or traineeship, as long as they’re of working age, and eligible to work in Australia.
What apprenticeship pays the most?
While you can get an Australian apprenticeship in many fields, the majority of apprentices take up a trade. Some tradie jobs are actually very well-paid, and often blue-collar jobs take less time to start earning good money than white-collar professional jobs. Apprentices earn a fraction of a fully qualified tradie’s pay, but the highest-paying apprenticeships are generally in the highest-paying areas, which are listed below.
| Construction or site manager | $132,221 | Strong growth |
| Boilermaker | $108,947 | Moderate growth |
| Plumber | $98,488 | Strong growth |
| Electrician | $94,796 | Moderate growth |
| Tiler | $86,048 | Strong |
Can a 50-year-old do an apprenticeship?
There’s no age limit on becoming an apprentice — anyone can do it, as long as you can legally work in Australia. But, like anything, there are pros and cons you should weigh up first. On the positive side, some over-50s are in a good financial position, with less financial stress and more free time than their younger counterparts. On the negative side, the physical challenges of many trade-based apprenticeships could be a roadblock, depending on how fit and healthy you are. Still, there are many apprenticeships which don’t require physical labour. They may suit someone with less strength and endurance.
Is 30 too old to learn a trade?
30 is certainly not too told to learn a trade. It’s not uncommon to start a new career in the trades at this age, and the benefits may far outweigh the risks. Paying attention at school isn’t easy for everyone, but mature age students often find that they have more focus, passion and dedication — since they’ve chosen this path for themselves, and genuinely want to do it. Need some inspiration? Brock West started a plumbing apprenticeship at age 31, and found that his life experience and work ethic gave him a leg up in his new course and new job. Likewise, Jason Dobrovoljhi left an apprenticeship in carpentry, only to return at age 29. He found a new appreciation for learning after time away from study.
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.
Browse Results
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Melbourne Only) CHC30121
Are you patient, flexible and wanting to help nurture our future generation? Our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a course designed for entry-level into the early childhood education and care industry. As a childcare wo...
Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (Class Based and Self-Paced) CHC40221
The qualification CHC40221 – Certificate IV in School Based Education Support is referred to in industry as the Cert 4 Education Support or your teacher’s aide course. Education support workers assist teachers and support student learning in a range of...
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (Melbourne Only) CHC50121
Are you passionate about offering children the best opportunities for their individual development? Our CHC50121 – Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care course is designed to train students in all aspects of childcare, from providing for care t...
Diploma of Social Media Marketing 10904NAT
Created by the world’s leading social media experts, all of whom feature on the Forbes Top 50 Social Media Power Influencers list, AIM’s 10904NAT Diploma of Social Media Marketing is the only formal, nationally recognised qualification designed to help...
Diploma of Project Management (Blended) BSB50820
AIM is excited to introduce the blended approach to the BSB50820 – Diploma of Project Management! Complement your learning experience AIM’s new blended approach to the BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management. Now delivered with a dedicated 5-day w...
Diploma of Project Management BSB50820
Projects are critical components of an organisation’s business strategy so their success has great influence over organisational performance. The BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management from AIM will equip you with the broad range of skills required to...
Diploma of Leadership and Management BSB50420
With the latest theories and practical approaches to management, AIM’s BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management is a nationally recognised business qualification designed to help plan, execute and evaluate your own work and the work of your team....
Diploma of Human Resources Management BSB50320
If you’re looking to step into the exciting and dynamic world of human resource management, then this is the ideal qualification for you. Designed to teach essential expertise and strategic human resources skills and accredited by the Australian HR Ins...
Diploma of Business BSB50120
If you’re looking to establish your own business or set yourself up for a workplace promotion, this qualification is designed to help you stand out from the crowd and achieve long term career success. By addressing the broad skills needed in dynamic bu...
Diploma of Artificial Intelligence 11287NAT
Artificial Intelligence is no longer the future – it’s the key to driving success today. AI is transforming the way businesses operate, and those who understand how to harness its potential are leading the way. AIM’s 11287NAT Diploma of Artificial Inte...
Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management BSB60420
Organisations in every industry are looking for individuals with the right management capabilities and real leadership potential. That’s why the BSB60420 Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management is the ideal qualification to enhance your key skill...
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety BSB41419
If your role requires you to manage Work Health and Safety within your organisation, or you want to transition into a safety advisor role, this qualification will provide you the broad knowledge and skills to be recognised. AIM’s BSB41419 Certificate I...
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40122
Continuous development and upskilling is now a regular element of modern-day employment, making workers with capable training abilities vital for every organisation. AIM’s TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is designed to enhance a broa...
Certificate IV in Sustainable Operations MSS40122
More than just a buzzword, sustainability can be a powerful initiative to enforce real benefits both within and beyond your organisation. Sustainability practices empower businesses to improve their operations through cost reduction, social sustainabil...
Certificate IV in Project Management Practice BSB40920
Based around an industry leading project management methodology (PMBoK®), AIM’s BSB40920 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice is the perfect way to learn project management skills that can be used in a wide variety of contexts and is endorsed...
Certificate IV in Leadership and Management BSB40520
Team leaders and frontline managers are a vital link between employees and senior management in every organisation. This qualification has been developed to provide you with the comprehensive skills you’ll need to lead, guide and support your own team...
Certificate IV in Human Resource Management BSB40420
If you’re looking for the ideal entry point into a fulfilling career in human resources, this qualification is designed to provide you with a solid understanding of human resource management across a range of industries and businesses. AIM’s BSB40420 C...
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping FNS40222
This qualification is designed with your future in mind, offering more than just an education – it is a direct pathway to the financial services sector. Whether you are entering the field or advancing your career, AIM has a proven track record of help...
Self-Care: During Times of Uncontrollable Change
This course is designed to provide individuals with essential tools for managing personal well-being during times of significant life changes. The content focuses on understanding the emotional and psychological impacts of transitions, grief, and loss...
Mental Health in the Classroom: A Guide for Educators
This course is designed to equip educators with essential knowledge to understand and support students’ mental health in the classroom. The content covers the psychological and emotional challenges students may face and offers strategies for fostering...
Online courses also available
Latest Articles
Agriculture Careers: What You Should Know in 2025
As one of Australia's most important industries, the agriculture industry offers great career opport...
Are Digital Skills the Key to Job Security in 2025?
The digital revolution is here, and it doesn’t care if you have a technical job or not — it’s coming...
How to Become a Chef in Australia: Complete Guide for 2025
The complete guide to becoming a chef in Australia. Learn how to get your start and make it in the h...
Want to read more?
5 Insights on the Challenges and Rewards of Working in Aged Care
Aged care is a field that comes with many challenges, but is filled with countless rewards for peopl...
Apprenticeships and Traineeships: 6 Major Myths Debunked
Find out the truth about apprenticeships and traineeships, including the apprenticeship wage and wha...
‘I love my job!’ Changing Your Career Path To Your Passion
Changing careers can be daunting, whether that be starting in a small job and working your way towar...
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.
