What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a practical, hands on training program where you are paid while you learn. As an apprentice you are contracted to an employer to learn all about your chosen trade and become qualified in that trade. The apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job practical training and off-the-job structured training at a Registered Training Organisation, such as MPA Skills. The term of a Plumbing and Gasfitting apprenticeship is four years and a Painting and Decorating apprenticeship is 3 years. This includes off-the-job training. In Western Australia apprenticeships are delivered under a competency based flexible training system. Workplace and off-the-job training and assessment procedures have been introduced based on the skills the apprentice should acquire over the term of the apprenticeship.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Positive attitude and a willingness to learn
• Fit and able to undertake manual tasks
• Strong communication skills
• Able to liaise with customers, clients and other trades
• Work closely within a team environment
• Police clearance (if required)
• Pass a medical examination or drug test (if required)
• Pass a colour vision test (Painting and Decorating only)
• Successful completion of Year 12 for Plumbing and Gasfitting (preferred)
• Successful completion of a minimum of Year 10 for Painting and Decorating

Recruitment Process

It is preferable that our apprentices have completed a pre-apprenticeship in either Plumbing or Painting prior to applying for a position with MPA Skills. However we recruit apprentices throughout the year and all applicants are considered for employment, using our recruitment process.

To apply for a position please complete our application form. Click to download.

We will contact you following receiving your application. Please include any information about yourself which you may think relevant to your application for a position with MPA Skills. Should you be invited to an interview and be successful following this, MPA Skills will check your references and other details you provide. We will then make an offer of an apprenticeship to you.

The next stage is for you to attend an induction (two days) where you will sign all relevant paperwork relating to the start up of your apprenticeship. You will sign a contract which outlines the terms of your employment with MPA Skills and also undertake safety training.

All MPA Skills apprentices commence employment on a three month probationary period. When this has been successfully completed, you will sign your apprenticeship agreement.

Useful tips for applying for an apprenticeship with MPA Skills

• Print neatly and clearly on your application form and provide us with as much information as possible.
• Attach copies of any relevant documents / certificates / academic records.
• Attach an up to date resume.

If you have any queries relating to applying for a position with MPA Skills, please complete our query form and submit it to us.

Benefits of Group Training

As an apprentice of MPA Skills Group Training you:

• Attach an up to date resume.
• Experience working with a variety of host employers in different areas of your chosen trade. This allows you to gain skills in all aspects of the trade.
• Are issued with uniforms, safety boots and safety kit. You are also provided with tools to kick start your apprenticeship.
• Are guaranteed employment for the period of your apprenticeship.
• Have access to ongoing and regular assistance. Your Field Officer will support and mentor you, offer assistance with personal or work related issues and guide you to successful completion.
• Have the opportunity to be nominated for and be successful in various industry and training awards. This can only benefit you in your career.
• Have access to training facilities where the latest technology is available.
• Have staff with a strong focus on your health and safety issues, thereby enabling you to establish safe work practices to take forward into your career.
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification on successful completion of your apprenticeship.

On and Off-the-Job Training

On the job training is where you are trained by host employers on site and learn new hand skills. You will be rotated between host employers to allow you to experience various areas of your chosen trade and gain as much knowledge as possible.

Off-the-Job Training is where you attend Tech and undertake competency based training. You will do both theory and practical while at Tech. You usually attend Tech in blocks of two weeks - up to four times a year. Attendance at off-the-job training is compulsory for all apprentices employed by MPA Skills.

MPA Skills is also a Registered Training Organising and all apprentices can choose to attend our Skills Centre to undertake their off-the-job training. If you have already successfully completed a pre-apprenticeship in your trade, or have related experience, you may receive recognition of prior learning towards your off-the-job training component.

Where To After An Apprenticeship (Career Paths)

Plumbing and Gasfitting and Painting and Decorating apprenticeships can open many doors and offer opportunities in various areas of the industries.

Query Form

Click to download