Traineeship program a game changer for workplace readiness

FROM BRIDGE TO THRIVING CAREER... For over 40 years, The Apprenticeship Factory has played a vital role in shaping the futures of young people, offering meaningful support to the local job market. With a mission to "find the right fit," the organisation specialises in connecting young job seekers with suitable apprenticeships and traineeships through guided, supported pathways. In the past 12 months alone, The Apprenticeship Factory has helped approximately 130 young individuals take their first steps toward a fulfilling career. Pictured (from left): Learning Support Trainee Sienna Mellington, Guthrie Street Primary School students Ryder and Addison, and Learning Support Trainee Zoe Monteleone. Photo: Emma Harrop

As a vital bridge between school and employment, The Apprenticeship Factory has played an instrumental role in transforming the lives of young people for over 40 years, while providing substantial support to the local job market. A game-changer for thousands of school leavers, the not-for-profit’s mission is to find the right fit, matching young job seekers with the right apprenticeship or traineeship through a supported pathway that leads not only to sustainable employment, but also to increased productivity for local businesses.

In the past 12 months alone, the organisation has supported around 130 young people, achieving an impressive 85 per cent success rate in transitioning early career professionals into direct employment—well above the 50 per cent success rate of standard apprenticeships.

Designed to build workplace confidence, practical skills, and job readiness, The Apprenticeship Factory recently launched its 2026 Traineeship Program.

The program gives school leavers the opportunity to gain real-life work experience while completing a nationally recognised qualification. It combines paid, on-the-job training with mentoring, career guidance, and personal development support.

FROM BRIDGE TO THRIVING CAREER… For over 40 years, The Apprenticeship Factory has played a vital role in shaping the futures of young people, offering meaningful support to the local job market. With a mission to “find the right fit,” the organisation specialises in connecting young job seekers with suitable apprenticeships and traineeships through guided, supported pathways. In the past 12 months alone, The Apprenticeship Factory has helped approximately 130 young individuals take their first steps toward a fulfilling career. Pictured (from left): Learning Support Trainee Sienna Mellington, Guthrie Street Primary School students Ryder and Addison, and Learning Support Trainee Zoe Monteleone. Photo: Emma Harrop

A strong stepping stone into full apprenticeships and long-term employment, the traineeships are ideal for both school leavers and gap-year students.

Established 15 years ago, the program has supported a wide range of qualifications—from Certificate III courses in business, education support and information technology to horticulture, sport, aquatics and recreation. Many trainees have gone on to further training or enter the local workforce.

Currently working with schools to prepare next year’s cohort, Melissa Davies from The Apprenticeship Factory is passionate about the lasting impact of the 12-month program.

“Traineeships are a wonderful incentive for young school leavers, who can often be unsure of what the short-term future holds. Some of our trainees have clear goals, while others are still figuring it out. Having an opportunity to be placed in one of our traineeships allows them to gain valuable experience in the workplace.

“It’s fabulous to see the growth and maturity that develops over the course of the traineeship and the pride they feel when they complete their certificate.

“These traineeships open many doors and provide an important foundation for their future careers.”

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