How Industry Associations Can Support National Apprenticeship Week
Apprenticeships and traineeships are a vital part of Australia’s skills system, and industry associations play an important role in strengthening those pathways.
National Apprenticeship Week provides a simple and effective opportunity for associations to highlight the work of their sectors, promote skills development and support employers and apprentices within their membership.
Here are practical ways industry associations can participate in and support the week (9-15 February 2026).
1. Share Stories from Member Businesses
Industry associations are well placed to showcase the achievements of apprentices and trainees across their sector. Sharing short profiles, workplace snapshots or quotes from member employers can highlight the variety of career pathways available.
These stories help create a more complete picture of what apprenticeships look like in real workplaces and can assist prospective apprentices who are considering their options.
Associations can gather examples through their newsletters, social media channels or member meetings. Even a small number of stories can create meaningful visibility and demonstrate industries' commitment to developing skilled workers.
2. Encourage Member Participation
Many employers are interested in contributing to National Apprenticeship Week but may not know where to start. Associations can help by promoting the week through email bulletins or member briefings and by offering simple ideas for participation.
Suggestions might include hosting a morning tea to recognise apprentices, highlighting apprenticeship vacancies, or sharing photos of apprentices at work. Encouraging members to engage with the week helps bring consistency across the sector and gives apprentices a sense of collective recognition.
3. Promote Events, Open Days and Training Opportunities
National Apprenticeship Week is an ideal time for industries to raise awareness of training and career opportunities. Associations can support the week by promoting relevant events such as open days, careers information sessions, technical demonstrations or industry-specific workshops.
By sharing these opportunities through association communication channels, more people can be reached, including students, job seekers and career changers who may not be aware of the breadth of roles within the sector.
4. Strengthen Partnerships with Training Providers
Many industry associations already work closely with training providers and registered training organisations. National Apprenticeship Week provides a practical moment to refresh these relationships or begin new collaborations.
Partnership activities might include co-hosting an information session, sharing guidance on emerging skills needs, or supporting training providers in celebrating their apprentices. These partnerships contribute to stronger training outcomes and better alignment between industry needs and training delivery.
5. Support Employer Readiness and Apprentice Wellbeing
Associations can use the week to highlight resources that help employers understand their obligations and support apprentice wellbeing. This may include information on workplace mentoring, safety practices, performance guidance or the requirements of training contracts.
Providing simple, accessible information helps employers feel more confident about taking on apprentices and creates a more supportive environment for learners. It also demonstrates the association’s role in championing quality training and workforce development.
6. Advocate for the Value Apprentices Bring to Business
National Apprenticeship Week is an effective platform for industry associations to contribute to public conversations about skills and workforce development. By offering commentary or insights into the importance of apprenticeships, associations can reinforce the value of their sector and highlight long-term workforce needs.
This type of advocacy helps position industries as forward-looking and committed to developing the next generation of skilled workers. It also raises awareness of how apprentices contribute to productivity, innovation and the ongoing strength of the sector.
Bringing the Sector Together
Industry associations play a central role in shaping the future of their sectors, and their involvement in National Apprenticeship Week can help amplify the visibility of apprenticeships across Australia. By sharing stories, encouraging participation and supporting employers and apprentices, associations can help build a stronger and more coordinated approach to skills development.
Show your association’s support of National Apprenticeship by having your logo displayed on this site. Contact us for details.
You’ll also find official NAWA resources to use throughout the week including logos, posters, and social media images.