August 24th, 2025Geelong’s next generation of construction workers getting job-ready

Geelong’s next generation of construction workers are getting job-ready, connecting with employers, and prepared to start their apprenticeships with confidence—thanks to support from the state government.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant, representing the Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney, recently visited a showcase hosted by Apprenticeships Victoria and The Gordon in East Geelong, where construction apprentices demonstrated their skills and connected with employers.

The showcase is for students and graduates from pre-apprenticeship courses in carpentry, electrotech and plumbing.

Some apprentices can struggle to find the right employer or make the right connection to start their apprenticeship. 

Apprenticeship pathway courses – commonly known as pre-apprenticeships – give students the opportunity to experience hands-on training. This helps students to find out what it’s like to work in a particular industry before going on to an apprenticeship or further training.

A recent NCVER report shows that pre-apprenticeship programs significantly boost the chances of a student successfully completing an apprenticeship.

Students who complete a pre-apprenticeship and then go on to do an apprenticeship in the same field as their training are 16 per cent more likely to finish their apprenticeship than apprentices who did not enrol in a pre-apprenticeship program.

During a pre-apprenticeship, students gain essential industry knowledge along with basic on-the-job skills. Students can also access support to improve their literacy and numeracy skills so they can get the most out of their training and are prepared to enter the workforce.

Apprentices can also access free support through the Apprenticeships Victoria Helpdesk, part of a $9m package to improve support, safety and fairness for apprentices and trainees.

To find out more about apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, visit apprenticeships.vic.gov.au