National Apprenticeship Week 2026: A Week of Celebration Across Australia
What an incredible week National Apprenticeship Week Australia 2026 proved to be!
Looking back at those seven days from 9-15 February, the energy and enthusiasm across the country were absolutely inspiring as we came together to recognise, connect with, and celebrate apprentices and trainees nationwide.
From flagship stakeholder events to grassroots BBQs, campus celebrations to onsite breakfast runs, the week showcased the breadth and depth of support for Australia's apprenticeship sector - and the vital role apprentices play in building our nation's future workforce.
A Flagship Event in Brisbane
The Australian Apprenticeships Stakeholder Luncheon in Brisbane brought together government, industry, education, and training leaders for a focused conversation on the future of skills development.
Hosted by MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees in partnership with the Queensland Government, the event featured a compelling keynote from Dr Paul Taylor on The Hardiness Effect, exploring how resilience and adaptability can equip organisations and apprentices to thrive amid changing demands.
The luncheon celebrated excellence through two prestigious awards. Craig Townsend, a boilermaker apprentice with host company Wood, received the MIGAS Apprentice of the Year award for his exceptional on-the-job performance.
Komatsu Australia was awarded the Australian Apprenticeships Leadership Medal, accepted by Kate Pemberton who spoke about her organisation's commitment to developing the next generation of skilled workers.
Adding to the day's significance, the Queensland Government launched the Apprenticeships Deliver campaign at the luncheon.
The event's unique centrepieces – handcrafted ceramic sculptures representing over 20 different trades, created by artists from Monte Lupo Arts – were sold to guests with proceeds donated to TIACS, supporting mental health services for people in blue collar industries.
Campus Celebrations Across Queensland and NSW
TAFE Queensland's Acacia Ridge campus hosted a vibrant Street Party that brought together apprentices, industry partners, and supporters for a morning of celebration. The atmosphere was electric with Subway Australia providing breakfast subs, pedal-powered smoothies, music, games, and prizes.
The Hon. Amanda Stoker MP joined the celebrations alongside exhibitors including Bunnings Trade, Bunnings, Cbus Super Fund, Milwaukee Tool, and many more industry partners.
In Cairns, the Department of Trade, Employment and Training partnered with TAFE Queensland to host a morning event where apprentices connected with support services and industry partners. The celebration gave apprentices valuable time to focus on their pathway in the trades while building connections with those who back their future.
MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees took celebrations to Muswellbrook TAFE in the Hunter region, creating a relaxed atmosphere with cold drinks, snacks, and snow cones. The morning exemplified the community spirit at the heart of National Apprenticeship Week – bringing people together to celebrate young people who are building skills and shaping careers.
Brands Bring National Apprenticeship Week to Life
Bunnings Trade launched an ambitious "Give a Shout" BBQ tour, visiting over 19 TAFE campuses across all states and territories. Local Bunnings teams worked the tongs at locations including TAFE Queensland's Nambour campus, serving bacon and egg rolls and handing out sought-after Bunnings Trade merchandise. The grassroots approach brought celebrations directly to apprentices where they train.
In a creative twist, Subway Australia partnered with Triple M to deliver breakfast directly to apprentices on active construction sites, including Hutchinson Builders' 50 Quay Street project. The initiative recognised that many apprentices are hands-on at worksites during the week, meeting them where they are with fresh breakfast subs and merchandise.
Organisations Join the Movement
The impact of National Apprenticeship Week extended far beyond organised events. This year, over 130 organisations from right across the country joined the movement, sharing their own celebrations and stories through social media.
From Cairns Regional Council and Hamilton Island in Queensland, to the Wheatbelt Business Network in Western Australia, Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia, and Apprenticeships Northern Territory – organisations of all sizes and from all sectors made National Apprenticeship Week their own.
That kind of national participation is a testament to how genuinely the broader sector has embraced the opportunity to celebrate apprentices and trainees.
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 demonstrated the industry-wide commitment to celebrating and supporting apprentices – not just through words, but through genuine action and connection.
From Brisbane boardrooms to regional TAFE campuses, from construction sites to social media feeds, the message was clear: apprentices are valued, their contribution matters, and Australia's future depends on their success.
The energy is building, and it's only going to get louder from here!
Register your interest to participate in the 2027 National Apprenticeship Week.