National Apprenticeship Week Australia: Why it Matters
Trade apprenticeships are the backbone of Australia’s skilled workforce.
They provide real-world experience, nationally recognised qualifications, and a career pathway that is both practical and rewarding. Yet for many years, apprenticeships did not have a national platform to celebrate their impact.
That changed in 2022, when MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees launched National Apprenticeship Week Australia. This annual observance, held in the second week of February, shines a spotlight on apprentices, trainees, employers, training providers, and industry partners who are shaping the future of work in Australia.
A Celebration of Skills, Growth and Opportunity
National Apprenticeship Week is more than just a week on the calendar. It is a chance to:
Celebrate apprentices and trainees for their hard work, achievements, and potential
Recognise employers and mentors who invest time and resources into developing the next generation
Promote apprenticeships in Australia as a respected and rewarding career pathway
Raise awareness of the essential role apprenticeships play in meeting skills shortages and supporting economic growth
Why Trade Apprenticeships Matter in Australia
Apprenticeships and traineeships are one of the most effective ways to gain skills for life. They allow people to:
Earn while they learn, combining paid employment with a nationally recognised qualification
Gain hands-on experience in real workplaces, learning from qualified tradespeople
Access diverse industries, from electrical, engineering, automotive, and construction to business, IT, hospitality, and community services
Secure long-term careers in sectors that are in high demand, including clean energy, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing
For employers, apprenticeships are just as valuable. They provide a pipeline of skilled workers who are trained to meet industry needs, improve staff retention, and strengthen workplace culture.
Driving the National Conversation
As the organisation that started National Apprenticeship Week in Australia, MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees is committed to supporting apprenticeships. Since 1988, MIGAS has recruited, employed, and mentored apprentices and trainees across multiple industries and states, partnering with host employers from small businesses to major national companies.
National Apprenticeship Week reflects MIGAS’ vision of apprenticeships as more than just a job – they are a pathway to opportunity, growth, and a sustainable future for Australia.
Why National Apprenticeship Week Matters
National Apprenticeship Week matters because it changes perceptions. It demonstrates that apprenticeships are not “second-best” to university, but a proven pathway to meaningful, in-demand careers.
It provides a national stage for success stories, encourages more employers to take on apprentices, and inspires the next generation to consider skilled trades and traineeships as a first choice.
Get Involved this National Apprenticeship Week
Whether you are an apprentice, an employer, or someone considering their next step, National Apprenticeship Week Australia is your chance to get involved.
From sharing apprentice success stories to hosting workplace events or simply showing support on social media, every action helps raise awareness.
Learn more, access resources, and find ways to participate here.