Build Your Career in the Trades
Thinking about starting an apprenticeship? A trade can open the door to a hands-on career, nationally recognised qualifications and real opportunities to grow — all while earning as you learn.Women are building successful careers across automotive, construction, engineering and a growing range of skilled trades, and ARU is here to support you along the way.
Women in trades are on the rise
of Australian trade apprentices in training were female in early 2025.
of people who completed a trade apprenticeship or traineeship were employed after training in 2025.
Between 2019 and 2023, female representation increased across traditionally male-dominated apprenticeships.
Why Choose a Trade?
Earn while you learn
An apprenticeship lets you gain a nationally recognised qualification while earning a wage and building real workplace experience.
Strong employment outcomes
Trade apprenticeships lead to excellent employment outcomes. In 2025, 94.8% of trade apprenticeship completers were employed after training.
Build practical skills
Learn on the job, work with experienced tradespeople and develop skills you can use throughout your career.
More career options than you might think
A trade qualification doesn't have to mean staying on the tools forever. It can lead to supervisory roles, management, specialist positions, further training or even running your own business.
Women Belong in Trades
You don't need to fit a stereotype to work in a trade. If you're practical, enjoy solving problems, like working with your hands or simply want a career that's different from the traditional path, an apprenticeship could be for you. Women are already building successful careers across automotive, construction, engineering and other skilled trades — and the numbers continue to grow.
You're Not Doing it Alone
An apprenticeship with ARU comes with support.
Your ARU Apprentice Employment Manager is there to support you throughout your apprenticeship — not just when you start.
- Regular workplace visits and check-ins
- Support between you and your host employer
- Help navigating workplace challenges
- Mentoring and guidance
- Training and apprenticeship support
- Access to wellbeing/EAP support
- Help if a host placement isn’t working out
- A team you can actually contact when you need help
Your questions answered
Common questions
Do I need experience to start a trade apprenticeship?
No. You don’t need to already know the trade before you start. An apprenticeship is designed to teach you the practical skills you need on the job while you work towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Can women apply for any trade apprenticeship?
Absolutely. There are no “men’s trades” or “women’s trades”. Women can build careers across automotive, construction, engineering, mechanical and many other skilled trades.
What if I've never used tools before?
That’s okay. You aren’t expected to know everything on day one. You’ll learn practical skills throughout your apprenticeship with support from experienced people in the workplace.
What support will I receive from ARU?
You’ll have an ARU Apprentice Employment Manager supporting you throughout your apprenticeship. This includes regular check-ins and workplace visits, mentoring, help with training and support if you experience challenges in the workplace.
What happens if I'm having problems with my host employer?
You don’t have to deal with workplace issues alone. Your ARU team can help you work through concerns and provide support if you’re experiencing difficulties with your host placement.
What trade is right for me?
Think about what you enjoy doing, the type of environment you’d like to work in and whether you enjoy practical, hands-on problem solving. Our team can also help you explore different apprenticeship pathways and current opportunities.
How long does a trade apprenticeship take?
It depends on the trade and qualification, but many traditional trade apprenticeships take around 3–4 years to complete. Your previous experience and progression through your training may also affect the timeframe.
Do you only offer Automotive Trades?
No. While ARU has a strong history in the automotive industry, we’re gradually expanding into All Industries and creating apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities across a wider range of trades. We’re taking a considered approach to this growth so we can provide the same level of support and industry knowledge ARU is known for. Keep an eye on our Job Board as new opportunities and industries become available.
Current Apprentice Jobs Available
Explore our current apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities across Australia.
Meet Zoe
One of ARU's Apprentice Employment Managers - NSW
Zoe knows firsthand what it’s like to build a career in the trades. She began her Light Vehicle Mechanical Apprenticeship in 2015, before going on to build a successful career across service, warranty and management roles with leading automotive brands including Kenworth Trucks and BMW.
Having started her own career as a female apprentice, Zoe brings real-world experience to her role as an Apprentice Employment Manager at ARU. She understands the challenges, opportunities and rewards that come with an apprenticeship and is passionate about supporting the next generation as they find their place in the industry.
Your future in the trades could start right here. Whether you know exactly which trade you want to pursue or you’re still exploring your options, take the first step and see where an apprenticeship with ARU could take you.
Ready to Build a Career in the Trades?
