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Directions Workforce Solutions





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Directions Workforce Solutions provides a range of learning resources and information designed to support individuals and organisations throughout their employment and workforce development journey. Within this learning area of the website, viewers can access additional guidance, tools and resources. 

For Apprentices

Career Pathways

Is studying at University or TAFE right for you?  Discover your options and make a plan.

Applying for Work

Need a hand with your Resume? Or Interview Preparation? See what employers really want.

Trade Ettiquette

Learn the behavioural requirements and expectations of working in a trade today!

Financial Literacy

How do tax and finances really work? What are you entitled to? Find all this and more.

For Hosts

Pricing

Contrast and compare financials to see if the Group Training model is right for your business.

Subsidies and Incentives

Learn how Wage Subsidies and Incentives can reduce your hiring costs and help apprentices.

Hosting

Discover how you can effectively host apprentices and trainees in your workplace.

Rewards and Discounts

Come and see the extensive list of discounts available for partnering with Directions.


Directions Workforce Solutions provides a range of learning resources and information designed to support individuals and organisations throughout their employment and workforce development journey. Within this learning area of the website, viewers can access additional guidance, tools and resources. 

For Apprentices

Career Pathways

Is studying at University or TAFE right for you?  Discover your options and make a plan.

Applying for Work

Need a hand with your Resume? Or Interview Preparation? See what employers really want.

Trade Ettiquette

Learn the behavioural requirements and expectations of working in a trade today!

Financial Literacy

How do tax and finances really work? What are you entitled to? Find all this and more.

For Hosts

Pricing

Contrast and compare financials to see if the Group Training model is right for your business.

Subsidies and Incentives

Learn how Wage Subsidies and Incentives can reduce your hiring costs and help apprentices.

Hosting

Discover how you can effectively host apprentices and trainees in your workplace.

Rewards and Discounts

Come and see the extensive list of discounts available for partnering with Directions.

Did You Know?

Earn While You Learn!

Unlike many university pathways, apprentices and trainees receive a wage through their qualification.

There are hundreds of Apprenticeship pathways!

Structured your content to guide evaluators through your proposal in an engaging and persuasive way.

Apprenticeships aren't just for School Leavers...

People of all ages can start an apprenticeship or traineeship, including mature-age career changers.

There were Nearly 300,000 Apprentices in 2025!

By the end of 2025, there were 282,430 active training contracts across Australia.

Most Apprenticeships Take Around Four Years.

Traditional trade apprenticeships generally take approximately four years to complete.

Traineeships are often shorter than apprenticeships.

Many traineeships can be completed in 12–24 months, depending on the qualification and industry.

Three Quarters of Apprentices Are in the Trades.

Approximately 74% of apprentices and trainees are training in traditional trade occupations.

Investing in Apprentices builds Future Capability.

Employing apprentices helps businesses and addresses Australia's long-term workforce needs

Apprentices are Eligible for Support Payments.

Apprentices can receive payments for Tools, Training, Allowances, and even discounted Home Loans.

GTO Apprentices are more Likely to Complete!

Apprentices employed by Group Training Organisations receive greater support than those hired directly.

Did You Know?

Earn While You Learn!

Unlike many university pathways, apprentices and trainees receive a wage through their qualification while avoiding a HECS debt.

There are hundreds of Apprenticeship pathways!

Structured your content to guide evaluators through your proposal in an engaging and persuasive way.

Apprenticeships aren't just for School Leavers...

People of all ages can start an apprenticeship or traineeship, including mature-age career changers.

There were Nearly 300,000 Apprentices in 2025!

By the end of 2025, there were 282,430 active training contracts across Australia.

Most Apprenticeships Take Around Four Years.

Traditional trade apprenticeships generally take approximately four years to complete.

Traineeships are often shorter than apprenticeships.

Many traineeships can be completed in 12–24 months, depending on the qualification and industry.

Three Quarters of Apprentices Are in the Trades.

Approximately 74% of apprentices and trainees are training in traditional trade occupations.

Investing in Apprentices builds Future Capability.

Employing apprentices helps businesses and addresses Australia's long-term workforce needs

Apprentices are Eligible for Support Payments.

Apprentices can receive payments for Tools, Training, Allowances, and even discounted Home Loans.

GTO Apprentices are more Likely to Complete!

Apprentices employed by Group Training Organisations receive greater support than those hired directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apprentice wages vary depending on factors such as the industry, qualification, whether you are over or under 21 years of age, year level, and the applicable award or employment agreement. Unlike traditional students, apprentices are employees and receive a wage while they complete their training, along with workplace entitlements such as superannuation and leave. Apprentice wages generally increase as they progress through their apprenticeship and gain more skills, experience, and responsibility. For the most accurate information, or a more detailed breakdown, apprentices and employers should refer to the relevant award or speak with Directions Workforce Solutions.

A successful apprenticeship involves three key parties working together.

 

A Group Training Organisation (GTO) employs the apprentice, manages their employment, provides mentoring and support, and works with both the apprentice and host employer throughout the apprenticeship.

 

A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivers the formal training and assessment required to achieve the qualification.

 

A Hosting Organisation provides the apprentice with practical, on-the-job experience, supervision, and opportunities to develop their trade skills in a real workplace environment.

 

Together, these three organisations support apprentices to gain the skills, experience, and qualifications needed for a successful career.

Finding the right apprentice involves more than simply filling a vacancy. A successful apprenticeship starts with identifying the skills your business needs, understanding the trade requirements, and finding a candidate who is motivated to learn and develop.

 

Businesses can find apprentices through several pathways, including Group Training Organisations, job boards and employment websitess chool-based apprenticeship programs, industry networks and community organisations, career expos and trade events, or employee referrals.

 

When recruiting an apprentice, it is important to consider more than just previous experience. Many successful apprentices begin their careers straight from school or with limited industry exposure. Factors such as reliability, attitude, willingness to learn, communication skills, and commitment often play a major role in long-term success.

Completing an apprenticeship is the beginning of your trade career, not the end of your learning journey. Once qualified, tradespeople can continue developing their skills through further training, specialise in a specific area, move into leadership or supervisory roles, start their own business, or explore opportunities in training and management. An apprenticeship provides more than technical skills — it builds confidence, industry connections, problem-solving ability, and the foundation for a rewarding long-term career.

Working in a trade can be different to many other careers because it combines practical, hands-on skills with technical knowledge and problem-solving. Tradespeople often work in dynamic environments where every project can present new challenges, requiring adaptability, teamwork, and attention to detail. While trades require strong technical skills, success also depends on professionalism, communication, safety awareness, and a willingness to keep learning. Like any career, a trade offers opportunities for growth, career progression, and developing expertise in a specialised field.

Working hours in a trade can vary depending on the industry, employer, project requirements, and type of work being performed. Many trades operate during standard business hours, such as early morning starts and afternoon finishes, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, and maintenance. Some projects may require overtime, weekend work, or flexible hours to meet deadlines. As apprentices gain experience, they learn how to manage their time, work safely, and adapt to the expectations of their chosen industry. It is important to discuss working hours and expectations with your employer or Group Training Organisation before starting an apprenticeship.

Depending on the industry, employer, and type of work involved, apprentices may be required to complete certain checks before starting an apprenticeship. These can include pre-employment medical assessments, drug and alcohol testing, police checks, working with children checks, or site-specific inductions and clearances. Requirements vary between workplaces, with industries such as construction, mining, defence, and government projects often having additional requirements due to safety, security, or regulatory obligations. A Group Training Organisation or employer will advise apprentices of any required checks and help guide them through the process before they commence work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apprentice wages vary depending on factors such as the industry, qualification, whether you are over or under 21 years of age, year level, and the applicable award or employment agreement.

 

Unlike traditional students, apprentices are employees and receive a wage while they complete their training, along with workplace entitlements such as superannuation and leave.

 

Apprentice wages generally increase as they progress through their apprenticeship and gain more skills, experience, and responsibility.

 

For the most accurate information, or a more detailed breakdown, apprentices and employers should refer to the relevant award or speak with Directions Workforce Solutions.

A successful apprenticeship involves three key parties working together.

 

A Group Training Organisation (GTO) employs the apprentice, manages their employment, provides mentoring and support, and works with both the apprentice and host employer throughout the apprenticeship.

 

A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivers the formal training and assessment required to achieve the qualification.

 

A Hosting Organisation provides the apprentice with practical, on-the-job experience, supervision, and opportunities to develop their trade skills in a real workplace environment.

 

Together, these three organisations support apprentices to gain the skills, experience, and qualifications needed for a successful career.

Finding the right apprentice involves more than simply filling a vacancy. A successful apprenticeship starts with identifying the skills your business needs, understanding the trade requirements, and finding a candidate who is motivated to learn and develop.

 

Businesses can find apprentices through several pathways, including Group Training Organisations, job boards and employment websitess chool-based apprenticeship programs, industry networks and community organisations, career expos and trade events, or employee referrals.

 

When recruiting an apprentice, it is important to consider more than just previous experience. Many successful apprentices begin their careers straight from school or with limited industry exposure. Factors such as reliability, attitude, willingness to learn, communication skills, and commitment often play a major role in long-term success.

Completing an apprenticeship is the beginning of your trade career, not the end of your learning journey. Once qualified, tradespeople can continue developing their skills through further training, specialise in a specific area, move into leadership or supervisory roles, start their own business, or explore opportunities in training and management.

 

An apprenticeship provides more than technical skills — it builds confidence, industry connections, problem-solving ability, and the foundation for a rewarding long-term career.

Working in a trade can be different to many other careers because it combines practical, hands-on skills with technical knowledge and problem-solving. Tradespeople often work in dynamic environments where every project can present new challenges, requiring adaptability, teamwork, and attention to detail.

 

While trades require strong technical skills, success also depends on professionalism, communication, safety awareness, and a willingness to keep learning. Like any career, a trade offers opportunities for growth, career progression, and developing expertise in a specialised field.

Working hours in a trade can vary depending on the industry, employer, project requirements, and type of work being performed. Many trades operate during standard business hours, such as early morning starts and afternoon finishes, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, and maintenance. Some projects may require overtime, weekend work, or flexible hours to meet deadlines.

 

As apprentices gain experience, they learn how to manage their time, work safely, and adapt to the expectations of their chosen industry. It is important to discuss working hours and expectations with your employer or Group Training Organisation before starting an apprenticeship.

Depending on the industry, employer, and type of work involved, apprentices may be required to complete certain checks before starting an apprenticeship. These can include pre-employment medical assessments, drug and alcohol testing, police checks, working with children checks, or site-specific inductions and clearances.

 

Requirements vary between workplaces, with industries such as construction, mining, defence, and government projects often having additional requirements due to safety, security, or regulatory obligations. A Group Training Organisation or employer will advise apprentices of any required checks and help guide them through the process before they commence work.

Develop A Better Version of You

Your journey in the trades is one of continuous learning, growth, and opportunity. Whether you are an apprentice taking your first steps into your chosen career or a host employer helping develop the next generation of skilled workers, there is always something new to learn and achieve. 

Contact the Directions Workforce Solutions today and let us take this journey with you.

Develop A Better Version of You

 Contact the Directions Workforce Solutions today and let us take this journey with you.