Get a head start on your career

Articles

Nov. 1

Massimo Zurzolo is pictured here with his WPC Mentor, Mark D’Aversa. Massimo undertook his school based automotive apprenticeship with BMW Melbourne, and was a finalist at the 2021 Victorian Training Awards. He is now entering his full-time apprenticeship in 2022.

You don’t need to wait until you’ve completed Year 12 to start training for your dream career. School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are part of the national Australian apprenticeships system, combining practical, on-the-job work with structured off-the-job training.

School-based apprentices and trainees usually attend school 3.5 days per week, trade school half a day per week, and work one day a week. When you graduate from secondary school, you’ll have earned both a high school certificate and a nationally recognised qualification.

You can do a school-based apprenticeship in a variety of areas: Automotive, Business, Information Technology (IT), Engineering (mechanical and fabrication), Horticulture, and in General Trades.

Olivia Camilleri always knew she wanted a career in the prestige vehicle automotive industry, and she took advantage of a school-based apprenticeship to become the first female apprentice with Porsche in Australia.

“WPC Group and my school were able to arrange a workplace tour at Porsche Centre Melbourne when I was in Year 10. During this tour, I knew it was for me, I was hooked! The school based program allowed me to pursue my dream career pathway ahead of schedule, whilst remaining in school studying other important subjects, ” says Olivia.

Olivia graduated with her Year 12 certificate and Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology in 2019, and is now in her second year of a full-time apprenticeship with Porsche Centre Melbourne.