Mature Age apprenticiships - what a joke.

[goldfire]

:

So here's me, been in my current job for little under a year and a half and now that i'm older and wiser want to get into a trade.

Seeing as i love auto mechanics i logically try to obtain an apprenticeship, giving my age it'll be a mature one... that's where the fun begins.

Whilst the government sings songs and praises about the benefits of M.A.A's the employers still won't hire them, even the big dealerships didn't want to know about it, granted ford atleast said send in a CV. One holden dealership said that they do 2 weeks of work experience before deciding to take someone on, i mean.. WTF?.. I work full time how the hell am i suppose to do that!?!!.

I've accepted that this isn't going to be easy, but didn't expect it to be this difficult with both dealers and the smaller boutique work shops only wanting young kids.

*sigh* back to it i suppose.

Btw, i'm in perth if anyone has any info they could pass on to me.

:

[pb02]

I'm in a similar situation at the moment. The best advice I can give is try and find out a contact through a government MAA program that can answer questions and direct you in the right places.

The information out there varies greatly from one source to the next. I have found, in Victoria, a few places that basically place you in a job. The down side is that you don't get to choose, however from there you and your employer basically deal with the placement company regarding any matter and also look out for any government incentive programs that you are entitled too.

Best of luck!

[DODDO]

Goldfire,
I work for a government owned utility in Sydney as a heavy vehicle and equipment mechanic. We have just put on a 29 year old apprentice in our workshop.
Its viable for him to get an apprenticeship as an adult, as the company is owned partly by the state government and has a great award scheme. They also get a 'bonus' off the government for putting an adult on. This blokes on around 42k a year which isnt too bad.

Try looking at something similar in WA.

Hope you find something you want.

Cheers!

[DODDO]

"The information out there varies greatly from one source to the next. I have found, in Victoria, a few places that basically place you in a job. The down side is that you don't get to choose, however from there you and your employer basically deal with the placement company regarding any matter and also look out for any government incentive programs that you are entitled too."


That sounds to me like a group training agency.
Another downside to going through one of them is that they dont pay real good at all. My mates are employed through them and arent too happy about the pay.
An advantage is that if you have a problem with the person your working for, your able to go to the agency and ask to be put somewhere else depending on circumstances.

[SirJuggsalot]

Dunno about the government not giving old fellas a go. Im an apprentice with RailCorp.

In a class of 12 theres me (24), a 39 year old, a 35 year old, and a 41 year old.

[Ryan]

I actually just took up a course, that allows me to do a trade (Machining & Fitting), while I'm doing my HSC at Tafe at the same time. (3 days of HSC, 2 days of Trade)

Best thing is at the end, is I'm doing as much as what a first year apprentice does at Tafe. (There is 2 weeks work placement though)

[Green X]

Ryan> doesn’t mean you finish the apprenticeship sooner, you will

A.> not bee sent to tafe for the first 6 months to 1 year
Or
B.> Start off in second year tafe wile still earning 1st year wagers, you will also finish tafe earlier which is not good as tafe is like a day off in the Apprentice world LOL

Gold fire>
You started you search a little late as most companies have a big intake at the start of each year with applications and interviews conducted during September and October the year before.

My advice to you is try and go with Caterpillar or other companies who deal in heavy machinery, I am a mechanical fitter and one of my work mates who is now leaving to work somewhere else (Lucky basted) just got a Job as a metro based Diesel fitter working in Midland, he has No previous Diesel experience and they still took him on and are starting him off on a 26.50hr.

I have a mate with Cat who works Fly in Fly out on mine sites who makes around $43per hour and he is aged 22.

The guy a hate is another mate who scored a Job with Chevron only works 2 weeks a month and combined with his anneal leave works less than 6 month in a year, That dirty Son of a B**CH LOL.

[capriv8]

I run a glass business here in Perth and we had a 40 year old approach us about doing an adult apprentecship, we took him on based on his attitude and his genuine desire to achieve a Trade certificate. It has turned out as a win win situation for both of us and would gladly take on another mature age apprentice. The Goverment now also offer decent incentives to employers to help offset time taken to train apprentices and cover the higher wage thats paid to an older apprentice. I personally have had no end of problems with the kids straight out of school to the point I am reluctant to go that way again. My suggestion Goldfire is go door knocking at your local mechanics take some photos in of the cars youve been involved with or have owned and show you have a real desire to work with cars and become a trade certified mechanic. Good luck.

[chief]

I am 21 and have been trying to find a place that will take me on as an apprentice. I got turned down at least 15 times. I went to dealerships but seriously it will be a wasted oppitunity. You only work on one brand of car, the first year you are cleaning oil spills and emptying bins then go up from there. I found a small place that is more grass roots. Work on 30's hot rods up to new BMW and Merc's and everything in between. We have a combi van with a 302W over the rear axels doing wheel stands. A twin turbo datson ute as a parts deliver ute. You wont be able to do that at a dealership. I find the incentives a better to find a place with a very broad range of veichles they work on.

[boost4.0L]

Originally Posted by DODDOAU

Goldfire,
I work for a government owned utility in Sydney as a heavy vehicle and equipment mechanic. We have just put on a 29 year old apprentice in our workshop.
Its viable for him to get an apprenticeship as an adult, as the company is owned partly by the state government and has a great award scheme. They also get a 'bonus' off the government for putting an adult on. This blokes on around 42k a year which isnt too bad.

Try looking at something similar in WA.

Hope you find something you want.

Cheers!

42k a YR I'M 28 WILL BE SECOND YR APPR MACHINING AND FITTER AND I'M ON 290 A WEEK AFTER TAX MAN THATS UNFAIR

[T3ts50]

What is the pay rate for a Mature age apprentice as Im also thinking about starting one?

[conordec]

Originally Posted by chief

I am 21 and have been trying to find a place that will take me on as an apprentice. I got turned down at least 15 times. I went to dealerships but seriously it will be a wasted oppitunity. You only work on one brand of car, the first year you are cleaning oil spills and emptying bins then go up from there. I found a small place that is more grass roots. Work on 30's hot rods up to new BMW and Merc's and everything in between. We have a combi van with a 302W over the rear axels doing wheel stands. A twin turbo datson ute as a parts deliver ute. You wont be able to do that at a dealership. I find the incentives a better to find a place with a very broad range of veichles they work on.

To anyone that maybe looking or know of someone interested in learning all I can teach them about Falcons I will be looking for a Apprentice in a few months time so I'm throwing out the feelers now , I will be employing them as a Motor Mechanic but MUST have interest in the Following

*Mechanical*
*Panel Beating & Fabrication for Rust repairs*
*Spray Painting*
*Auto Electrical Work*
*Motor Trimming* although I only fit carpet & roof linings
*Stripe fitting & Masking*
*Windback Sunroofs*
*GT Steering wheel Restorations* I will be setting up to restore them once in my new location

Basically I need someone in the 16 - 22 age group that has the incentive to learn & watch everything I do as I'm not after Any General Mechanic Apprentices as I don't do the General stuff . I don't want anyone that can't use their Brain or is Unreliable .

I will be moving workshops in the near Future & intend to expand not to long after the move , so if anyone intersted in learning the ins & outs of the early Falcons PM me & we can discuss whats to come ahead .

Currently I'm located in Seven Hills NSW but I'm looking at Surrounding suburbs .

Must also have a General interest in Aussie Muscle Cars including Monaro's , Torana's & Chargers as I'm not going to limit my expansion in Restorations .

Cheers

Dave

CHIEF..... contact Dave, he put this add online on a few sites, can't find the one on this site, but he is a wizard and if you could put up with his laugh, you would learn an absolute sheet load!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

email him.... falcongtho@people.net.au

[Zed7fiddy]

Mate the worst part is there are some crazy restricions on it too

It took me so long to find a plac eto put me on as a Mature age, then finally Pacific androver and Volvo (which are linked with the local ford dealer - so cross trainign at ford was availabel at the dealer ship across the road) said they would take me on as a MAA, only for the govenrment to say they would pay the training ($11k!) as i had a Certificate 3 in security

was not a happy camper so i gave up

[The Yeti]

Our agent in NZ will only hire mature age apprentices as they feel they have a beeter work ethic (a bit stereotypical but it works for them).

have you looked at other sides of the industry, for instance perhaps a job as a maintiance fitter would give you experance in all things mechanical which will help on your CV, or alternitavly (I dont know if this is still the case) you can work on machinery such as forklifts with out any trade qualifications perhaps theres an angle for you, I did it for a few years and these guys were getting paid more than car mechanics, its not a pretty but the old suck squeeze bang blow is the same in a forklift as it is in a car and the new ones are getting more and more electronics every day.

As I said I bashed spanners on forks for a few years I am trade qualified but there were guys who wernt earning as much as me, I'm still in the industry and I wouldnt go back to cars for quids

[Tony xa]

Originally Posted by conordec

To anyone that maybe looking or know of someone interested in learning all I can teach them about Falcons I will be looking for a Apprentice in a few months time so I'm throwing out the feelers now , I will be employing them as a Motor Mechanic but MUST have interest in the Following

*Mechanical*
*Panel Beating & Fabrication for Rust repairs*
*Spray Painting*
*Auto Electrical Work*
*Motor Trimming* although I only fit carpet & roof linings
*Stripe fitting & Masking*
*Windback Sunroofs*
*GT Steering wheel Restorations* I will be setting up to restore them once in my new location

Basically I need someone in the 16 - 22 age group that has the incentive to learn & watch everything I do as I'm not after Any General Mechanic Apprentices as I don't do the General stuff . I don't want anyone that can't use their Brain or is Unreliable .

I will be moving workshops in the near Future & intend to expand not to long after the move , so if anyone intersted in learning the ins & outs of the early Falcons PM me & we can discuss whats to come ahead .

Currently I'm located in Seven Hills NSW but I'm looking at Surrounding suburbs .

Must also have a General interest in Aussie Muscle Cars including Monaro's , Torana's & Chargers as I'm not going to limit my expansion in Restorations .

Cheers

Dave

CHIEF..... contact Dave, he put this add online on a few sites, can't find the one on this site, but he is a wizard and if you could put up with his laugh, you would learn an absolute sheet load!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

email him.... falcongtho@people.net.au

Sounds like a dream job realy .
Its a pitty I am still doing my appreticship in spray painting or I might have jumped at this and the fact I am alot older than what you are chasing .If you ever need the full time service's of a painter in the future please give me a message .

[Tony xa]

I tried most shops in Perth when looking at spray painting and was turned down by all .I wasn't even concidered by any at all .I bit the bullit and went to tafe on a pre-appenticship and ended up being offered a few jobs and ended up where I am and happy .I am 31 yrs and 3 mths into it and love every second of my job .I have planed this move for some time so I saved alot to be out of work for a while so I could be at tafe .There is also things like jumpstart that gives employers inncentives to hire you and its half desent inncentives plus there is miter which is simalar and hire apprentices that end up at dealers and this would be the main reason why dealers didn't have the time of day for you .Dealers don't hire another company does sends you out to them and they pay miter and miter pay you .
They are out there its just a matter of finding how to play the game .

[XPfalcon170]

Originally Posted by conordec

To anyone that maybe looking or know of someone interested in learning all I can teach them about Falcons I will be looking for a Apprentice in a few months time so I'm throwing out the feelers now , I will be employing them as a Motor Mechanic but MUST have interest in the Following

*Mechanical*
*Panel Beating & Fabrication for Rust repairs*
*Spray Painting*
*Auto Electrical Work*
*Motor Trimming* although I only fit carpet & roof linings
*Stripe fitting & Masking*
*Windback Sunroofs*
*GT Steering wheel Restorations* I will be setting up to restore them once in my new location

Basically I need someone in the 16 - 22 age group that has the incentive to learn & watch everything I do as I'm not after Any General Mechanic Apprentices as I don't do the General stuff . I don't want anyone that can't use their Brain or is Unreliable .

I will be moving workshops in the near Future & intend to expand not to long after the move , so if anyone intersted in learning the ins & outs of the early Falcons PM me & we can discuss whats to come ahead .

Currently I'm located in Seven Hills NSW but I'm looking at Surrounding suburbs .

Must also have a General interest in Aussie Muscle Cars including Monaro's , Torana's & Chargers as I'm not going to limit my expansion in Restorations .

Cheers

Dave

CHIEF..... contact Dave, he put this add online on a few sites, can't find the one on this site, but he is a wizard and if you could put up with his laugh, you would learn an absolute sheet load!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

email him.... falcongtho@people.net.au

sounds like a dream job oppertunity workin on all the old muscle.

[Green X]

"What is the pay rate for a Mature age apprentice as Im also thinking about starting one?"

Depends who you work for.

I am ½ way throe my 3rd year as a mechanical fitter, turned mature age 9 months into my first year went from $6.20 Per hour to $12, now on $13 per hour aged 22.

My Apprenticeship is a Good example of a good one tuned bad, I am not at all happy with the way they now handle or train their apprentices and am just about to spit it, if I wasn’t so close to the end.

I basically Flat out refuse to work on the week end or do a lot of overtime as a protest, as nothing else has gotten me results, I am at least 6 months behind where I should be in my training and not doing the type work I should be doing only because the company keeps Stuffing us around.

Some may think I am just a bad apprentice> Funny thing is I am one of the top 3 best preforming 3rd year apprentices Last report scored 92%.

If my supervisor is a good bloke, I will do a few extra hours to help him out but at the moment if they keep on the way they are going the second I get my trade papers they cam kiss my **** good buy.

[Tony xa]

I have seen a bit of this already with other shops and apprentices and is a reason why I turned down a few places before the one I am at now .

[pb02]

Originally Posted by boost4.0L

42k a YR I'M 28 WILL BE SECOND YR APPR MACHINING AND FITTER AND I'M ON 290 A WEEK AFTER TAX MAN THATS UNFAIR

That's what is holding me back at the moment. 28 wife won't be able to work for a couple of months and I can't afford to take this much of a pay cut.
The frustrating thing is I've done plenty of carpentry and know how to handle all the tools, have built a few decks, fences, and worked on site with mates in the past. I just need someone to teach me the finer points and details and I could be qualified.

[Schlimmeh]

I was out of work for about 8 months at one point trying to break into a different industry. I'd just like to give you some encouragement and I think it's great you are having a go. Don't give up - you'll get there in the end.

[old_mate]

mature aged has worked out very well for me. Im 22, doing 18 months/2 years of my electricians apprenticeship (i get huge RPL from my previous trade) and am on 55k to start. Will go up as i get my comms cabling licenses done too. another bloke who also left the airlines is out at Blackwater with Theiss on 100k+

[sexc351]

Originally Posted by pb02

That's what is holding me back at the moment. 28 wife won't be able to work for a couple of months and I can't afford to take this much of a pay cut.
The frustrating thing is I've done plenty of carpentry and know how to handle all the tools, have built a few decks, fences, and worked on site with mates in the past. I just need someone to teach me the finer points and details and I could be qualified.

mate im 27 just turned second year,worked in a truss plant before taking on carpentry.they hired me because of that reason(trusses and wallframes ect)my income after tax is $510 for 40 hours.i have a wife and two young kids.its hard but at the end its worth it(chippies at work $55per hour)

ps because you have to carry your own tools around you get a fuel subsidy of roughly $70 per week.thats how we take home more than mechanics and like.my pay +fuel allowance =$510 after tax

[au2sw]

im 27, fitting gas and an apprentice mechanic. when i first started looking for my trade, i just went hell for leather calling and driving around to all the local mechanic workshops with my CV and asking to see the service manager. it paid off pretty quick (i guess it helped with the right attitude - keen and ready to start asap) but that was in diesel mechanics though. but later down the track (when it wasnt working out) i tried going through local car mechanics and no one wanted to know me. it wasnt until a friend of mine (qualified mechanic) moved locations and put a good word in for me that i ended up where i am now. im on above award wages (about 32k net - after tax) for 1st yr app. and loving the place as all the staff are great to get along with. any way, that was just my experiance here in qld. but i have found with the 2 places, that they much prefer older apprentices as they have a level head and are commited to finishing what they start, a quality they find is lacking in kids fresh out of school.
col

[pb02]

Originally Posted by sexc351

mate im 27 just turned second year,worked in a truss plant before taking on carpentry.they hired me because of that reason(trusses and wallframes ect)my income after tax is $510 for 40 hours.i have a wife and two young kids.its hard but at the end its worth it(chippies at work $55per hour)

ps because you have to carry your own tools around you get a fuel subsidy of roughly $70 per week.thats how we take home more than mechanics and like.my pay +fuel allowance =$510 after tax

That's not as bad as what I've been told. I could live with that, but I was told to expect something around $200 - $300 per week!
How do you get a fuel subsidy? Is it organized through one of those apprenticeship programs??
Cheers

[keef]

Originally Posted by The Yeti

Our agent in NZ will only hire mature age apprentices as they feel they have a beeter work ethic (a bit stereotypical but it works for them).

have you looked at other sides of the industry, for instance perhaps a job as a maintiance fitter would give you experance in all things mechanical which will help on your CV, or alternitavly (I dont know if this is still the case) you can work on machinery such as forklifts with out any trade qualifications perhaps theres an angle for you, I did it for a few years and these guys were getting paid more than car mechanics, its not a pretty but the old suck squeeze bang blow is the same in a forklift as it is in a car and the new ones are getting more and more electronics every day.

As I said I bashed spanners on forks for a few years I am trade qualified but there were guys who wernt earning as much as me, I'm still in the industry and I wouldnt go back to cars for quids

it's true,we got a shortage of guys that don't need to be babysat,not to many apprentices have been trained in last 15 yrs,leaving it sitting reasonably good for those of us that sat our trades 15 yrs ago or more. moneys not as good as aussie on paper,but i reckon it's all relative at end of day.plus nz loosing a lot of good tradesmen due to aussies tradesmen shortfall.

[atec77]

Originally Posted by boost4.0L

42k a YR I'M 28 WILL BE SECOND YR APPR MACHINING AND FITTER AND I'M ON 290 A WEEK AFTER TAX MAN THATS UNFAIR

depends on the apprenticship , if yours is adult you should not be financially disadvantaged , it might bear making some enquiries .

[atec77]

Originally Posted by pb02

That's what is holding me back at the moment. 28 wife won't be able to work for a couple of months and I can't afford to take this much of a pay cut.
The frustrating thing is I've done plenty of carpentry and know how to handle all the tools, have built a few decks, fences, and worked on site with mates in the past. I just need someone to teach me the finer points and details and I could be qualified.

keep a record of all the work you do and have done , google recognised prior learning , thats rpl through tafe after 10 years in the trade you can get papers.