What we learned from 12,000+ Australian Apprentices about their first year

Apprenticeship Support Australia surveyed 12,376 current and former apprentices and trainees across Australia, asking about their experiences of training, supervision, mentoring, wellbeing and the workplace.

What they told us paints a largely positive picture. Most Australian Apprentices report a good experience, and around three in four plan to remain in their apprenticeship. The findings also point to several opportunities to enhance support during the first year and further strengthen the apprentice journey.

For detailed insights, download the full National First Year Experience Report.

Many Australian Apprentices are having a positive experience

For most Australian Apprentices, the fundamentals of workplace training and support are in place. Three in four rate their on-the-job training as good or excellent. 76% rate their supervision positively and 88% say they receive adequate mentoring, while more than 95% also feel their training has prepared them to work safely.

However, the experience is not consistent for everyone. Around one in five rate their experience as ‘okay’, highlighting an opportunity to strengthen the quality and consistency of training and support across workplaces.

Interestingly, workplace size also plays a role. Smaller organisations tend to perform strongly in training and mentoring, while apprentices in larger organisations report greater psychological safety and feel more comfortable raising concerns.

Most want to stay – but the first year matters

Around three in four Australian Apprentices intend to stay in their apprenticeship, showing a strong level of commitment to their chosen pathway. However, the first year remains a critical period, with 27% of current apprentices reporting they have considered leaving.

Early workplace support plays an important role in the first-year experience. While 83% of current apprentices felt cared for and supported during their first year, around one in six did not or were unsure. Among former apprentices, an unsupportive manager, supervisor or workplace was the most commonly cited reason for leaving.

These findings show how the support an apprentice receives early on can influence their experience as they establish themselves in the workplace.

Good mentoring and supervision can make a real difference

Mentoring and supervision are clear strengths of the apprenticeship experience, with 88% of Australian Apprentices reporting adequate mentoring and around three in four rating their supervision positively.

What does good mentoring and supervision look like to an apprentice? They value mentors and supervisors who are approachable and supportive, along with regular check-ins, clear expectations and opportunities to learn through practical, hands-on experience. 

Importantly, positive training, supervision and support are also associated with a lower likelihood of considering leaving an apprenticeship, reinforcing the value of strong workplace relationships throughout the apprenticeship journey.

Apprenticeships offer stability, but wellbeing pressures can't be ignored

Australian Apprentices are not immune from the financial and wellbeing pressures affecting the broader community. Around half report experiencing mental health challenges, while more than half say cost-of-living pressures are having an impact.

But apprenticeships themselves can offer something valuable in this environment. Getting paid while learning was the second most valued aspects of an apprenticeship, behind becoming qualified, learning from experienced people and gaining practical experience.

Wellbeing is also closely linked to retention. Australian Apprentices reporting lower levels of wellbeing are more likely to consider leaving, while with supportive workplaces, opportunities to learn and a sense of connection are associated with a more positive experience.

The apprenticeship journey starts before the first day on the job

The information and advice Australian Apprentices receive before choosing their pathway can play an important role in the experience that follows.

Only 49% of Australian Apprentices say they received good information at school about all the career options available to them. More than half made the decision to pursue an apprenticeship after leaving school, highlighting the importance of access to quality career advice at different stages.

Career advice may also have an impact beyond the pathway an apprentice chooses. Australian Apprentices who felt well informed about their options reported stronger mental health outcomes, while those who felt under-informed or steered towards a particular pathway were more likely to report anxiety, sadness or worry.

Discover more insights from Australian Apprentices

These findings offer just a snapshot of what Australian Apprentices told us. Explore the full National First Year Experience Report for more insights into their experiences and the opportunities to strengthen the apprenticeship journey.