I WANT TO BE AN APPRENTICE OR TRAINEE
Thinking of becoming an apprentice? You’ve come to the right place.
Master Builders NSW is the heart of the building industry. We are here to help you become a quality apprentice or trainee.Â
Want a career in building and construction?
Want a career in building and construction? There has never been a better time to start or continue your apprenticeship or traineeship. Here is all you need to know about becoming a Master Builders Apprentice or Trainee.Â

What you need to get started
- Construction Induction Card (White Card). Need a White Card? Call 02 8586 3588 or Find out how to get one here.
- Driver Licence (or working towards a drivers licence) and reliable transportation
- A great attitude
The Benefits
Equal Employment Opportunities
Master Builders Apprenticeship Service is committed to the principle of merit and equity by ensuring that all applicants are selected under the guidelines and principles of Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) and Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace (EOWA) Programs.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apprentice?
An apprentice is someone who trains for a career by working under the supervision of more experienced workers. It includes on-the-job training combined with formal training for 3-4 years.
What does it mean to be a Master Builders apprentice?
To be the safest and the best apprentice you can be. You will be supported every step of the way.
What is a GTO?
A Group Training Organisation (GTO) employs apprentices and trainees and places them with Host Employers such as tradespeople, builders and contractors for on-the-job training in their trade.Â
The GTO is the legal employer of the apprentice or trainee. This means the GTO looks after: Â
- Obligations as an employer of an apprentice or trainee (as defined by Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001). Â
- Recruiting each apprentice or trainee. See Recruitment page.
- Making sure they are suitable for placement with a host employer. Â
- Arranging the placement with the host employer. Making sure the learner starts within the terms of the Training Contract.Â
- Ensuring that the details of the first host are in the Training Contract. Â
- Arranging the formal training with a registered training organisation for each apprentice/trainee. This includes working with the RTO and host employer to develop and renew the training plan. Â
- Checking each potential employer is suitable to host an apprentice/trainee and ensuring they understand their responsibilities as part of this arrangement.Â
- Monitoring and providing support to both the apprentice/trainee and host employer.Â
- Paying wages, allowances, superannuation, insurance and other employee entitlements. Â
- Completing all associated paperwork. Â
Master Builders Association of NSW Pty Ltd (Master Builders) operates a registered Group Training Organisation (GTO) for trades within the Building and Construction Industry.
What is a Host Employer?
Tradespeople, builders and contractors within the Building and Construction Industry. Many of whom are within the Master Builders network.
The Host Employer looks after: Â
- providing employment and on-the-job training for the apprentice/trainee. It must be consistent with the apprentice/trainees’ Training Plan. Â
- providing appropriately qualified supervision. It must be at a level reflective of the apprentice/trainee’s level of experience. Â
- providing a safe work environment free from bullying and harassment. Â
- releasing the apprentice/trainee from work during working hours to attend/undertake formal training and assessment. Â
- participating and contributing to the workplace assessment of the apprentice/ trainee. Â
- informing the GTO if there’s any issues with the performance or attendance of the apprentice/trainee.Â
Who can I talk to for advice once I start?
A Master Builders Field Officer.
You will be assigned to a dedicated field officer who will mentor, train, recruit and support you as an apprentice. The Field Officer will visit you at your worksite and is also just a phone call away. Always call out if you have any safety concerns.
Where will I study my trade qualification?
You can study the CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry at the Master Builders Education Centre in Sydney’s Norwest. The qualification is delivered by Master Builders Association of NSW RTO ID 6163.
For other trade qualifications as well as Carpentry, you can also study at your local TAFE NSW campus.
What tools should I already have?
Each Master Builders Apprentice receives a full Personal Protective Kit (PPE) upon commencement.
The kit contains the following items;
- Backpack
- Hard Hat
- Safety Glasses
- Ear Muffs
- Gloves
- Dust Masks
- Ear plugs
- Carpenters Pencils
- Cap or beanie
- Water bottle
- Hi Vis polo shirt
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As an apprentice you will need to be prepared with for class:
- Steel capped boots
- High vis workwear
- Toolbelt
- Tape Measure
- Claw hammer
- Builders square
- Pencil
- Utility knife
Why do I need a driver’s licence?
Most work sites are not near any form of public transport. It is important that you have your own form of transportation. You could be working at 1 job site for 3 months or 12 months. The job site could be located anywhere around Sydney. We prefer to match our apprentice with host employers where there is a project being built in their 40km radius to reduce travel times.
What is a White Card?
The General Construction Induction (White Card) course is a mandatory entry level safety program for the building and construction industry. You cannot step foot onto a worksite in NSW unless you have the White Card. The course focuses on how to work safely and effectively on a job site or construction environment. You can enrol into the General Construction Induction (White Card) training course at our Master Builders Education Centre. The White Card is issued by SafeWork NSW.
Why choose Master Builders?
Master Builders Association of New South Wales is the leading building and construction association in NSW. As a not-for-profit organisation we are at the heart of the building industry.
Through our registered Group Training Organisation (GTO), we provide Apprenticeship Services that connect apprentices of many trades with our network of Host Employers. Master Builders have a unique Pre-Apprenticeship Program with a holistic approach preparing you to become the best quality 1st-year carpentry apprentice. Carpentry apprentices can strive to achieve their goal of a carpentry trade qualification (CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry) at our Education Centre located in Sydney’s Norwest (Baulkham Hills).
Why should I choose an apprenticeship?
- Earn while you learn
- Achieve a nationally recognised qualification
- Great work-life balance
- Flexible training options to suit your lifestyle
- Industry growth and job security
- No student loans