The standard time frame to complete most trade apprenticeships is set to accommodate the industry average however, apprenticeships are often completed at varying pace. Given the right attitude and employer support, this time can be significantly reduced.

At the beginning of 2006 a new two year housing apprenticeship was announced, with training specific to the residential housing industry only. This apprenticeship leaves out the commercial components within the previous four year term.With the right amount of effort and aptitude from an apprentice, alongside cooperation from a supportive employer, an apprentice has the potential to complete their apprenticeship within two years.

There are some minimum requirements that need to be met before applying to become an apprentice with the ABN Group. You must have successfully completed your education to year 10, although the Department of Education and Training would like you to stay on until the end of year 11. In light of this, there are many School based apprenticeships being offered at the moment.

Mature age is considered over the age of 21 years old. These days there are many mature age people considering an apprenticeship in the building and construction trade area, keen to gain a recognised trade certificate. If you are physically fit and able to serve the industry a minimum of five years after gaining your qualification, you are encouraged to make an application.

For anyone not sure of what trade they want to do, the ABN Group recommends doing a trade pre-apprenticeship course at TafeWA. This course prepares students for the trade they choose, and reassures the employer that the student has a reasonable understanding of the basics.

TafeWA can advise you of the courses available, however, a pre apprenticeship course is not necessarily a prerequisite to employment. It can often depend upon your aptitude, work ethics, skill levels and learning abilities, a lot of which can be assessed during an interview and possibly a spell of unpaid onsite work experience.

Upon completion of your apprenticeship with the ABN Group, you will receive a nationally accredited trade certificate. That means you can travel anywhere within Australia and be employed as recognised tradesperson.