An apprenticeship is the pathway into almost every construction trade in Australia. If you want to become an electrician, plumber, carpenter, bricklayer, or any other qualified tradesperson in Perth, completing an apprenticeship is how you get there.
Here’s everything you need to know about starting a construction apprenticeship in Perth.
What Is a Trade Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with formal education. You work full-time with a qualified tradesperson (your employer) while attending TAFE or a registered training organisation for the theory and technical components.
At the end of your apprenticeship, you receive a nationally recognised trade qualification — typically a Certificate III — which qualifies you to work independently in your trade.
How Long Does an Apprenticeship Take?
Most construction apprenticeships in Perth run for 3 to 4 years:
- Electrician: 4 years
- Plumber: 4 years
- Carpenter: 3 to 4 years
- Bricklayer: 3 years
- Plasterer: 3 years
- Tiler: 3 years
- Painter and decorator: 3 years
- Roofer: 3 years
- Cabinet maker: 4 years
- Joiner: 4 years
- Boilermaker: 3 to 4 years
- Welder: 3 years
- Fitter and turner: 4 years
- Diesel mechanic: 3 to 4 years
- Auto electrician: 4 years
- Refrigeration mechanic: 4 years
- Glazier: 3 to 4 years
- Metal fabricator: 3 years
- Locksmith: 4 years
Some competency-based apprenticeships can be completed faster if you progress quickly, though this varies by trade and training provider.
Apprentice Pay Rates in Perth
Apprentice wages are set as a percentage of the qualified tradesperson’s rate and increase each year. Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award, approximate hourly rates for construction apprentices in Perth are:
- First year: $15 to $18 per hour
- Second year: $18 to $22 per hour
- Third year: $22 to $27 per hour
- Fourth year: $25 to $30 per hour
Some employers — particularly larger construction companies and those with enterprise agreements — pay above award rates. FIFO and mining apprenticeships generally pay higher rates as well.
Adult apprentices (aged 21 and over) may be entitled to higher minimum rates under the award.
How to Get an Apprenticeship in Perth
1. Choose Your Trade
Think about what kind of work appeals to you. Do you prefer working indoors or outdoors? With your hands or with technical systems? On residential homes or large commercial projects? Every trade has a different day-to-day reality.
Talk to tradies you know, visit construction sites if you can, or try a pre-apprenticeship course to test different trades before committing.
2. Complete a Pre-Apprenticeship (Optional but Recommended)
Pre-apprenticeship courses are short programs (typically 3 to 6 months) that introduce you to a trade before you start your full apprenticeship. They give you basic skills, make you more employable, and show potential employers you’re serious.
Pre-apprenticeship courses in Perth are available at:
- South Metropolitan TAFE
- North Metropolitan TAFE
- Private RTOs
Popular pre-apprenticeships include Certificate II courses in building and construction, electrotechnology, plumbing, and engineering (for metalworking trades).
3. Apply Directly With Employers
The most common way to get an apprenticeship is to apply directly with construction companies, electrical contractors, plumbing businesses, and other trade employers. Look for job listings on Seek, Indeed, and company websites, or approach employers directly with your resume.
4. Register With a Group Training Organisation (GTO)
GTOs employ apprentices and place them with host employers. If your host employer’s work slows down, the GTO finds you another placement so your apprenticeship continues without interruption. This provides extra stability.
Major GTOs operating in Perth include:
- MEGT
- Apprenticeships Are Us
- ACEPT
- MPA Skills (for plumbing and painting)
5. Use a Recruitment Agency
Specialist trade recruitment agencies like Perth Trades Recruitment can connect you with employers who are looking for apprentices. We work with builders, contractors, and trade businesses across Perth who regularly take on apprentices.
Mature Age Apprenticeships in Perth
You’re never too old to start an apprenticeship. Mature age and adult apprenticeships are increasingly common in Perth’s construction industry, particularly for career changers.
Key things to know:
- There’s no maximum age for starting an apprenticeship in WA
- Adult apprentices (21+) may receive higher minimum pay rates
- Your prior experience and skills may allow credit towards the apprenticeship, reducing the duration
- Many employers value the maturity, work ethic, and life experience that older apprentices bring
- Financial considerations are real — discuss with potential employers whether they can offer above-award rates
Career changers from mining, manufacturing, the military, and other industries are particularly well-suited to construction apprenticeships.
School-Based Apprenticeships
For school students in Years 11 and 12, a school-based apprenticeship lets you start your trade training while completing your WACE (Western Australian Certificate of Education). You split your time between school, TAFE, and work.
School-based apprenticeships are available in most construction trades and give you a head start — by the time your classmates are starting their apprenticeships, you may already be in your second year.
What to Expect During Your Apprenticeship
On the Job
You’ll work alongside qualified tradespeople, learning practical skills every day. In the first year, expect to do a lot of the basics — carrying materials, cleaning up, measuring and marking, and learning to use tools safely. As you progress, you’ll take on more complex tasks and eventually work with increasing independence.
At TAFE
You’ll attend TAFE classes either one day per week (day release) or in blocks (block release — typically one week every 6 to 8 weeks). TAFE covers the theory, technical knowledge, and safety requirements for your trade.
Assessments
You’ll be assessed through practical tasks, written tests, and workplace-based evaluations throughout your apprenticeship. Your employer and TAFE trainer will both provide feedback on your progress.
Tips for Apprentices
Show Up On Time Every Day
Reliability is the most valued trait in an apprentice. Being on time, every day, without excuses will earn you more respect than any technical skill.
Ask Questions
Don’t pretend to know things you don’t. Qualified tradespeople expect apprentices to ask questions — it shows you’re engaged and keen to learn. What they don’t want is someone who guesses and gets it wrong.
Look After Your Tools
Invest in good tools and keep them organised. A tradesperson’s tools are their livelihood, and looking after them is a sign of professionalism.
Stay Off Your Phone
Nothing frustrates a boss more than an apprentice on their phone. Save it for breaks.
Be Physically Prepared
Construction is hard physical work. Stay fit, eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. You’ll be on your feet all day, often in Perth’s heat.
Take Your TAFE Seriously
Don’t see TAFE as a day off. The theory you learn is directly relevant to your work, and falling behind at TAFE can delay your qualification.
After Your Apprenticeship — What’s Next?
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship and obtained your trade certificate, you’re qualified to work independently. From here, you can:
- Work as an employee — earn a full tradesperson’s wage working for a construction company
- Go subcontracting — work under your own ABN and set your own rates
- Start your own business — get a contractor’s licence and build your own client base
- Pursue FIFO work — take your skills to the mining and resources sector for higher pay
- Specialise — develop expertise in a niche area (e.g., solar for electricians, fire services for plumbers)
- Move into supervision — progress to leading hand, foreman, or site supervisor
- Get further qualifications — Certificate IV in Building and Construction, Diploma of Project Management, or a builder’s registration
Find Your Apprenticeship Through Perth Trades Recruitment
Perth Trades Recruitment works with construction companies across Perth who are looking for motivated apprentices. Whether you’re a school leaver, a career changer, or someone who’s already completed a pre-apprenticeship, we can help connect you with the right employer.
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Contact Perth Trades Recruitment to find construction apprenticeships in Perth.