Muswellbrook TAFE Hosts Apprentice Celebration for Trades Students

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 saw the MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees team take to the road, bringing celebrations directly to apprentices and trainees across the state.

The highlight of the week came with a vibrant morning at Muswellbrook TAFE in the Hunter region, where the team created a welcoming space for apprentices to pause, connect, and celebrate their journey in the trades.

Under sunny skies, the MIGAS team set up with cold drinks, snacks, and snow cones - creating a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged genuine conversations. It was a chance for apprentices to step away from their training for a moment and engage with people who understand and support their career path.

The morning reflected what National Apprenticeship Week is truly about: recognising that apprenticeships go beyond technical skills. They're about building confidence, creating opportunities, and setting young people up for long-term success in their chosen trades.

Throughout the week, the MIGAS NSW team maintained a packed schedule of visits to employers, training organisations, and apprentices on the job. These connections reinforced the collaborative spirit that makes the apprenticeship system work – employers investing in their people, trainers delivering quality education, and field officers providing the day-to-day support that helps apprentices thrive.

The energy and pride displayed throughout the week were inspiring to witness. From the apprentice workforce advisers who serve as the front face of MIGAS every day, to the employers genuinely invested in developing their apprentices, the commitment to supporting the next generation of skilled workers was evident at every turn.

As the MIGAS State Manager – NSW & Vic, Angela Matthews noted the dedication and passion shown by everyone involved in the apprenticeship system drive real impact. National Apprenticeship Week 2026 showcased a community working together to shape the future, one apprentice at a time.

National Apprenticeship Week, which ran from 9-15 February 2026, celebrated the role of apprenticeships and traineeships in building individuals' skills and confidence while strengthening our nation's industries and economy.