Are you thinking about embarking on a new career or finally getting formally qualified for a trade you’ve been practising for years? Mature age apprenticeships could be the key to unlocking your next professional milestone.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mature age apprenticeships.
What is a Mature Age Apprenticeship?
A mature age apprenticeship offers individuals aged 21 and older the opportunity to combine on-the-job training with formal education in a trade or skill.
These apprenticeships are ideal for those seeking a career change or intending to gain formal qualifications for skills they’ve already been using in the workplace.
In an evolving job market, mature age apprenticeships are becoming more relevant than ever. They not only provide hands-on experience but also serve as gateways to recognised qualifications and better career opportunities.
Who’s Eligible?
The good news? You don’t have to fit a one-size-fits-all mould to qualify for a mature age apprenticeship. However, there are a few key criteria you should know about.
To be eligible, you’ll generally need to:
- Be aged 21 or older (some employers target people transitioning careers who are even older).
- Be eligible to work in Australia (this includes Australian citizens, permanent residents, or those with appropriate visas).
- Be open to combining formal study with hands-on practice.
- Meet any specific trade or regional eligibility requirements.
If you’ve already accumulated years of experience in a specific trade without receiving formal qualifications, organisations like Gimbal Group can also support you by recognising your prior learning (RPL)—a pathway designed to fast-track the qualification process.
Why Choose a Mature Age Apprenticeship?
If you think apprenticeships are just for school leavers, think again. Mature age apprenticeships are particularly valuable for those who want to develop fresh skills or career opportunities, even later in life. Here are some key benefits:
1. Career Change with Support
Whether you’re leaving a desk job or looking to pivot into a more hands-on trade, mature age apprenticeships provide a structured pathway to switch careers without starting from scratch. You’ll earn while you learn, which means financial stability remains intact.
2. Recognition of Prior Experience
Been working for years in a trade, but never formally qualified? Gimbal Group offers RPL services that recognise the expertise you’ve already built, allowing you to fill in any educational gaps and fast-track your certification.
3. Skill Development
Apprenticeships blend real-world experience with classroom instruction, giving you theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are immediately applicable. This can significantly enhance your ability to deliver high-quality work.
4. Access to Better Opportunities
Obtaining a nationally recognised trade qualification opens doors to higher-paying roles and positions you ahead of untrained competitors.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Like any worthwhile goal, mature age apprenticeships come with their challenges. Here’s how to tackle them head-on.
1. Time Management
Balancing work, study, and personal life can feel overwhelming at first.
Solution: Create a consistent schedule for your apprenticeship requirements. Gimbal Group’s tailored support can also help ensure you’re staying on track.
2. Starting Later than Others
You may feel self-conscious about entering a learning environment with younger peers.
Solution: Focus on your unique strengths, like years of experience and a mature outlook. Employers often value older apprentices for these qualities.
3. Physical Demands in Trades
Some trades may be physically challenging.
Solution: Look for industries that match your physical capabilities. Consultation with Gimbal Group can help pinpoint the right trade for you.
How to Apply for a Mature Age Apprenticeship
Starting is simpler than you think, especially with Gimbal Group to guide you. Here’s a step-by-step outline to move forward.
Step 1. Identify Your Trade or Pathway
First, decide which trade or industry aligns with your interests, skills, and goals. The team at Gimbal Group can help you explore options based on your previous experience.
Step 2. Check Your Eligibility
Review the eligibility criteria for your chosen trade apprenticeship and check if RPL is a more suitable pathway for your needs.
Step 3. Contact Gimbal Group
Reach out to Gimbal Group to begin your application for a recognised apprenticeship or RPL assessment. With over 15 years of experience, their team provides tailored guidance to help you succeed.
Step 4. Submit Your Evidence
If pursuing RPL, collect evidence of your work experience, such as previous employment records, project portfolios, and videos, to demonstrate your skills.
Step 5. Undertake Training (if Needed)
Following an assessment, Gimbal Group may recommend gap training to ensure you meet all qualifications.
Step 6. Receive Your Qualification
Once you meet all requirements, you’ll receive a nationally recognised qualification to advance in your chosen trade.
Resources to Help You Succeed
Here are a few handy links for your apprenticeship or RPL pathway:
- Gimbal Group RPL and Training Services
- NSW Smart and Skilled Information
- Construction Training | Construction Skills Queensland
- Find Your USI | Unique Student Identifier
Your Next Career Chapter Starts Here
Mature age apprenticeships are a game-changer for individuals who want to unlock new possibilities or leverage their years of experience. With organisations like Gimbal Group simplifying the process through Recognition of Prior Learning, certification is closer than you think.
