Hire an Apprentice or Trainee - build your skilled workforce with Skillset.
We make hiring apprentices and trainees simple. Grow your business while building skilled, job-ready talent in regional NSW. As a trusted Group Training Organisation, we connect you with motivated apprentices, trainees and SBATs. From recruitment and payroll to compliance and training support, we handle the details so you can focus on running your business.
Why hire an Apprentice or Trainee?
Hiring an apprentice or trainee isn’t just filling a role; it’s about building a skilled workforce that strengthens and supports the future of your business and industry. Here’s why it makes sense:
Grow your business
by training staff in your processes.
Access government incentives
and support programs.
Reduce turnover and build loyalty
by developing people in your culture and business operations.
You direct daily work and priorities
The apprentice or trainee is hosted by you. You manage tasks, site instructions, and day-to-day supervision.
Choose from hundreds of qualifications
and industries, ensuring your business gets the skills it needs.
Flexible pathways
full-time, part-time, or SBATs.
Why choose Skillset?
As a leading Group Training Organisation (GTO) employer in NSW, we provide end-to-end support for businesses across the region.
Proven success
81% completion rate vs 55% industry average.
Decades of experience
We've supported thousands of apprentices and trainees and developed strong regional networks.
End-to-end recruitment support
Employment, compliance, payroll, mentoring, and training throughout the entire apprenticeship and traineeship period.
Reduced risk
We manage legal employer obligations and keep you compliant.
Award-winning
Named Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT Excellence in Group Training Organisation Award in 2023 and 2025.
How it works
We support you every step of the way:
1
Understand your business
2
Recruit and match
3
We employ the apprentice or trainee
4
Training and RTO coordination
5
You host and benefit
6
Ongoing mentoring and support
7
Flexibility built in
Your options
Choose the level of support that works for you:
Full-service apprenticeship and traineeship program
End-to-end management including recruitment and screening, training contract setup, performance and RTO management, payroll services, WHS compliance, and facilitation of rotations. Ideal for businesses that want complete program management.
Recruitment-only support
We source and screen candidates; you manage training and employment.
Managed placement
You bring the candidate, and we handle compliance, training setup and mentoring, with the added confidence of Skillset's proven completion outcomes.
Types of Apprenticeships and Traineeships
At Skillset, we’re proud to support hundreds of qualifications and industries across regional NSW, giving businesses flexible pathways to build a strong, skilled workforce. Here’s how we can help:
Apprenticeships
Structured programs for trade-based roles, such as construction, automotive, engineering, carpentry, and plumbing. Apprentices combine paid work with formal training, helping you develop skilled tradespeople who gain practical, hands-on experience aligned with industry standards and your business needs.
Traineeships
Work-based training for non-trade sectors including business, retail, warehousing, hospitality, ICT, and community services. Trainees gain practical experience while studying toward a nationally recognised qualification. Traineeships are ideal for building talent in service and administrative roles, improving productivity, and supporting staff retention.
School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs)
Programs that allow high school students to start an apprenticeship or traineeship while completing their studies. SBATs combine paid work, school attendance, and vocational training, creating a future talent pipeline and giving you early access to motivated young people while supporting long-term workforce planning.
Looking for a School-Based Apprentice or Trainee?
Skillset can help your business host a school‑based apprentice or trainee, guiding you through the process and connecting you with the right student.
Client success stories
For people and communities in regional NSW.
"Thank you again for all your help and support with our apprentices and trainees needs here at Council. Its been an absolute pleasure working with you!"
“It’s nice to see the support from both sides. As an apprentice, I knew I had my consultant to rely on for support, and now as a host, Jacqui checks in regularly. It’s great to have Skillset there to look after both of us.”
“Working with Skillset is excellent. I have had several apprentices join me from Skillset and I keep coming back. The reason I invest time and money into apprenticeships is because I want to give young people the same experience and satisfaction I have in a supportive and hands-on learning environment. I don't have administrative support, so Skillset's model fits perfectly with my business and makes the whole process of hiring and managing apprentices simple.”
“I like to invest in apprentices to pass on my knowledge and experience to people interested in a trade career. I enjoy teaching the kids and seeing them gain a qualification to begin their own career journey. I’m not an accountant, so having the team take care of payroll, insurance and formal training requirements means I can focus on my business and what we do best.”
“Skillset’s ongoing involvement and guidance have been instrumental in my growth. With regular visits from a Skillset consultant every six weeks, I have had a dedicated professional who has provided support, guidance, and advice throughout my apprenticeship journey. Their presence has been invaluable, allowing me to address any challenges, receive feedback, and stay on track with my goals.”
"Rod has a wonderful manner and is always encouraging in a way to get the best out of the apprentices, while also maintaining professionalism to ensure appropriate behaviour and expectations. Having Rod handle workplace reviews and difficult conversations is a huge weight off our shoulders, and he does these things with great skill. He is honest, reliable, punctual and just generally very easy to work with.”
“Rodney has a balanced approach to resolving concerns and an ability to understand business needs through his own trade experience. Rodney is more than willing to support both the trainee/apprentice and the business. We’ve seen numerous examples where he’s available at the drop-of-a-hat. Rodney has helped numerous apprentices and trainees from different walks of life who were struggling or considering leaving their training. Rodney’s calm and empathetic approach helped many of them stay the course and ultimately succeed as tradespeople.”
Ready to grow your workforce?
Let’s make it happen. Call us today on 1300 853 525 or submit an enquiry, and we’ll help you find the right apprentice or trainee for your business.