Apprenticeships start careers
Master Builders is here to help you become a quality apprentice of trainee. There has never been a better time to start or continue your apprenticeship or traineeship. Building & Construction is Australia’s 2nd largest industry and 3rd largest employer. *
Did you know 1 in 10 people in Australia are employed in the construction industry?
Take your place in one of Australia’s largest industries and become a Master Builders apprentice. Within our building community, you will be supported by our team of industry experts to help you throughout your apprenticeship. With Master Builders you have options.
What is the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?
A traineeship is a structured program that combines employment and training allowing trainees to earn while they learn. Distinct from apprenticeships, which are often associated with trades, traineeships cover a broader range of industries and occupations from business and finance to healthcare and IT. Traineeship are usually shorter in duration than apprenticeships and are typically over one to two years.
*Master Builders Australia

What you need to get started
The most important place to start an apprenticeship is choosing a trade. This isn’t always an easy choice to make as there are so many options available to you. Actions that may assist your decision making include:
- Construction Induction Card (White Card). Need a White Card? Call 02 8586 3588 or Find out how to get one here.
- Talk to your careers adviser - Careers advisers have information about all kinds of work and study options, including apprenticeships. They may have tools to assist you to identify your strengths and the type of work you enjoy.
- Friends and family - Discuss your ideas with people who know your skills, interests, personality, and the things you don’t enjoy.
- Call Master Builders Apprenticeship Services, and ask questions. We can provide information about pre-apprenticeships, wages and finding a host employer.
- Do a pre-apprenticeship - If you have a strong leaning toward a particular trade, but aren’t ready to make the commitment, check out a pre-apprenticeship program. It’s a great way to get a feel of the trade.
Which trade is right for me?
Not sure what trade is right for you?
We can help you choose your trade. Each trade offers something different. Each trade teaches you different skills. And each trade has a different pathway.
Where can yourtrade qualification lead you?
Your trade can lead you on a career pathway to being a licensed builder or into a management role. Click below to see the suggested career pathway.
The Benefits
The benefits of an apprenticeship or traineeship
Commercial Vs Residential

Commercial
Working as an apprentice on a commercial site, you will be a key player in the construction of high end complex commercial or industrial builds alongside multiple different contractors. You will be involved in fit outs, formwork, interior/exterior wall construction and partition and ceiling installation. Additionally, you will work with non-wood materials such as steel, concrete, fiberglass and plastic. You will obtain the ability to operate standard carpentry tools, machinery and other specialised fit for purpose equipment.

Residential
A residential site has people who specialise in new-home or renovation construction. Working as an apprentice on a residential site, you would be involved in framing and finishing exterior walls, roofing, and decking as well as setting floors and building stairs. Residential housing usually has between one and four residential units. This includes a single-family home, a townhouse, mobile home, or a multiplex building.
Why Choose Master Builders?
- With Master Builders, apprentices and trainees can be assured that they are supported every step of the way
- You’ll be provided with entry level skills and safety training before you start work.
- We’ll place you with a fully screened host employer to get the most out of your on-the-job training.
- You’ll have access to a dedicated field officer for mentoring and support.
- You’ll get paid weekly and we’ll ensure you get all your allowances and entitlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Base rates of pay, including piecework rates
- Types of employment (e.g. full-time, part-time, casual)
- Overtime and penalty rates
- Work arrangements (e.g. rosters, variations to working hours)
- Annualised wage or salary arrangements
- Allowances (e.g. travel allowances)
- Leave, leave loading and taking leave
- Superannuation
- Procedures for consultation, representation, and dispute settlement
- Outworkers
- An industry-specific redundancy scheme
Award | Covers |
Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2020 (MA000020) https://awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000020 |
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Plumbing and Fire Sprinkler Award 2020 (MA000036) http://awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000036 |
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Joinery and Building Trades Award 2020 (MA000029) http://awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000029 |
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Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002) http://awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000002 |
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Timber Industry Award 2020 (MA000071) http://awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000071 |
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Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (MA000010) http://awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000010 |
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- Be paid to learn
- Gain on-the-job skills and experience
- Study with a training provide and gain a qualification
- Be able to access financial support
- Earn while you learn
- Achieve a nationally recognised qualification
- Become a qualified tradesperson
- Great work-life balance
- Flexible options to suit your lifestyle
- Practical hands-on experience
- Your learning is skills based, not academic
- Industry growth and job security
- No student loans
Register Interest
Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs are held at the Master Builders Education Centre in Norwest.
- 5 Burbank Place, Norwest 2153