The aim of this group is to:

  • Form partnerships with industry sectors, Schools, Training Authorities and Government to encourage people to enter the industry.
  • Lobby government and industry to form a relevant Skills Council which would address the employment and training needs of all persons employed in the industry.
  • Determine the current and future training requirements of member companies which are not currently being satisfied; influence the review of existing training arrangements and develop suitable training arrangements as required.
  • Determine the extent of current and future staff shortages, develop solutions to address the needs of these shortages and provide advice to Federal and State governments on these needs.
  • Establish strong advisory arrangements with Federal and State governments through their relevant Education & Training Departments.
  • Engender a stronger training culture within member companies to assist in addressing the future skill requirements within the industry.

CMEIG Information on Education and Training

Careers in our industry vary from HR managers to technicians to sales staff working with a team to deliver a small skidsteer or 300 t dump truck to a customer. These typical position descriptions will continue to be expanded during the next 12 months.

Example career paths are shown below and some times no two career paths are alike even though both people start as an apprentice:

Ross Goodlet – From Apprentice to Executive Director CMEIG(WA)

To understand more about the training needs for technicians (some times called plant mechanics) please read the following notes. If you have more questions, contact us.

What does an apprenticeship involve?

All apprentices undergo a comprehensive and thorough apprenticeship training program for periods that range from one to four years. An apprenticeship combines both on-job (practical) and off-job (theory) training.

You learn your practical skills on the job, working with fully qualified servicemen and are involved with normal day to day servicing and maintenance tasks. Practical skills will also be learnt through Apprentice and Post Trade courses.

You learn the theory through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) by attending courses spread throughout the year.

How do I become an apprentice technician?

The following steps may be used as a checklist to getting you an apprenticeship:

Step 1 – Decide on the trade or skill area.

Step 2 – Find out what job vacancies are available locally for apprentices in the industry of our choice. Visit the Australian Job Search website: www.jobsearch.gov.au. Check your local newspapers for job vacancies.

Step 3 – Prepare a resume

Step 4 – Market yourself

Step 5 – Write job applications/apply for positions

Step 6 – Go to interviews

Will a pre-employment course help me get an apprenticeship?

Some employers have a preference for people that have successfully completed a pre-employment course as this will mean that they will be productive and safe when they commence work. In addition, the pre-employment program may count towards your off the job training during your apprenticeship therefore reducing the amount of time you will be away from your job.

What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?

There are a number of benefits to being an apprentice which include:

  • On the Job Training is supplied free of charge while you earn a wage
  • You learn ‘hands-on’ skills in your employers workshop
  • You gain a nationally recognised qualification
  • You gain a lifetime qualification, and internationally recognised skills
  • Protective clothing may be supplied
  • You are eligible for a tool kit and tool box allowance
  • Excellent Career Path opportunities
  • How long will it take me?

The time it takes to complete an apprenticeship depends on a number of factors that include:

The trade that you have chosen.

The number of competencies you have acquired prior to entering your apprenticeship ie Certificate one or two level outcomes at school or through a traineeship
Most importantly how much effort t you are willing to put into the learning process.

One of the things to remember is that whilst you are spending up to four years doing your apprenticeship you are being paid, your employer usually pays for your training fee’s and you are not left with a hefty HECs debt at the end of the course.

How much will it cost?

The cost of an apprenticeship varies across the country and across training providers. Student fees at TAFE are set by the individual TAFE College and they do have some concessions available. Contact your nearest TAFE College for more information.

Private Registered Training Organisations also charge fees that vary. It’s a bit like the fee differences between Public and Private School.

You need to check with your employer once you have an apprenticeship if they will be paying your trade training fees or if you will be paying them yourself. Your employer will also usually have a preference for where you do your trade training so you will need to check and then identify the fees involved.

Reports & Papers

Presented below are a range of papers and reports relevant to this group.

CMEIG Skills of the Future – November 2022
CMEIG Skills of the Future Paper – October 2022
CMEIG Training Packages Review March 2022
ASA Request for Feedback – 22 January 2014

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