Learning on the job with an Indigenous apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a valuable way of preparing you for the workforce by providing on the job training and a qualification without having to go to university.

The Australian Government offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples an opportunity to start their career in the public service through the Indigenous Apprenticeships Programme.

This programme offers ongoing support and an Indigenous buddy and mentor throughout your apprenticeship. 

Rachel started her Indigenous Apprenticeships Programme in 2015 with the Department of Human Services in a Smart Centre in Launceston, Tasmania.

“I think apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity to learn on the job while earning good money and receiving invaluable ongoing support,” Rachel said.

Rachel is originally from Flinders Island, North East of mainland Tasmania and said it was fantastic growing up in such a small community but she is now enjoying living in a bigger town.

“I’ve received a lot of support from my team leader and at the beginning of the apprenticeship I was assigned an Indigenous buddy, who works at my Smart Centre and is always there if I need help,” Rachel said.

Neil, whose heritage is South Sea Islander and Aboriginal, was also in the Indigenous Apprenticeships Programme in 2015.

“I’m a people person so I was excited to get placed in a face to face service delivery environment. Working as a service officer has been rewarding as I often help people who are at their lowest,” Neil said.

The apprenticeship programme has been supportive and flexible with Neil’s AFL commitments too.

“Playing AFL is something I am passionate about – I play locally for the Wanderers Football Club and at state level for Northern Territory. Everyone at work has been encouraging of my AFL commitments and because Darwin’s a small town I often see a lot of my work mates at the footy,” Neil said.

There are many different agencies and organisations around the country that offer Indigenous apprenticeships and traineeships. 

Ashley is an Arrernte Man from Alice Springs who moved to Cairns and started his apprenticeship in the kitchen at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Ashley was motivated to start his apprenticeship after meeting Indigenous celebrity chef Mark Olive.

“As soon as I became a chef I started to feel like this was it, that this was my life. I just got off it. Becoming a chef is the best thing that ever happened to me,” Ashley said.

Ashley often attends major food events and talks about the importance of persistence and resilience in finding and sticking with a career.

“I would like to open up a restaurant with bush food on the menu with a mix of Australian and Asian foods too,” Ashley said.

He was awarded the National NAIDOC Apprentice of the Year in 2015.