Address
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location Address
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationFrequently asked questions
Can't find the information you're looking for? Check out our FAQs for all you need to know about becoming an apprentice with HIA.
Become a HIA apprentice questions
Do I need any qualifications?
Formal academic qualifications aren’t required, but a Year 10 Certificate is generally considered to be a minimum. A vehicle licence and reliable transport is a must as most construction trade apprentices will move to different sites throughout their apprenticeship.
A Cert I or II in General Construction is highly regarded but not compulsory.
Will I have to study?
Yes, an apprenticeship has two components – on-the-job (through which you learn practical skills) and off-the-job at a Trade School (through which you gain underlying knowledge).
You will need to enrol in a Trade School to get your Certificate III Trade Apprenticeship. Apprentices go to Trade School either once a week or in blocks subject to the Trade School’s structure.
How much will I earn?
The amount you earn depends on the trade that you have chosen and award classification for that trade. The award lists the amount to be paid on an hourly basis and usually includes tool and special allowances. Apprentices can also claim a travel allowance.
Your pay rate will increase as you progress through your apprenticeship. When your apprenticeship ends, your wages will change in line with the appropriate rate for qualified workers in your trade.
What will I be doing?
Will I get a job?
On completion of your apprenticeship you have some important options – such as continuing to work for your current employer, or changing jobs to work for someone new. Most apprentices become trade contractors.
As a HIA Apprentice HIA helps prepare you for running your own business throughout your apprenticeship. There are numerous courses available that will give you the skills to be a successful subcontractor.
The building and construction industry uses both manual and mental skills, so how you progress with your career after you finish your apprenticeship is limited only by your desire.
Share with your network:
More articles on:
Find the latest expert advice, guides and much more!
Was this page helpful?
Thank you for submitting your feedback.
Become a HIA apprentice
Your future career starts with us.
Take the opportunity to gain real-life skills across various trades in the residential construction industry.
Find out where we can take you.
Tips for a successful apprenticeship
Some techniques to draw out what you need to know how to be amazingly good at asking questions
Oct 22
Memory retention
Memory is the ability of the mind by which information is programmed, stored, and retrieved.
Memory is vital to our experiences. It is the retention of information over time for the purpose of influencing future action. If we coul...
Oct 22
Safe use of portable ladders
Each year there are dozens of serious incidents where workers have fallen from ladders. Most of these incidents involve a ladder being used incorrectly or inappropriately.
Mar 22
Silica dust inhalation hazard
Breathing in very fine particles of crystalline silica from prolonged exposure to respirable dust that is generated when materials like engineered stone, concrete, tiles, bricks and mortar are cut, sanded, or drilled can cause ext...
Feb 22
Manual handling safety
Hazardous manual handling is one of the main causes of workplace injuries and covers a wide range of activities when you use force to lift, push, pull, hold, restrain, throw or carry something. When doing work that involves manual...
Feb 22
Slips, trips and falls: on the same level
Slips, trips and falls are a leading cause of injuries at construction workplaces. The most common ones are musculoskeletal injuries (sprains and strains), cuts, bruises, fractures and dislocations but more serious injuries can al...
Feb 22
Using hand and power tools safely
Using hand tools incorrectly – or tools that are not fit for purpose or not suited to the person using them have resulted in many injuries at construction workplaces. Sometimes it’s as insignificant as a minor cut or scrape, but c...
Feb 22
Working with hazardous chemicals safely
Chemicals are found all over the jobsite and some of them are more hazardous than others. Container labels and safety data sheets will give you information about the hazards of materials you work with.
Feb 22
Sun protection and extreme heat
As the weather warms up, it's important to know the risks associated with sun exposure and how working in hot conditions can lead to life threatening conditions.
Mar 22
Apprentice health and wellbeing
Maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle so you can meet the demands of your apprenticeship.
Aug 20
Confidence in the workplace
Confident apprentices are positive, productive, good motivators and great role models.
Aug 20
Employer expectations
A strong work ethic and a positive attitude are just some of the attributes you'll be expected to show as an apprentice.
Aug 20
Goal setting made easy
Decide what you want to achieve in life and take the steps to get you there.
Aug 20
Top 10 tips to manage your time
Learn how to manage your time more effectively with Top 10 tips.
Aug 20
Know your work health and safety rights and responsibilities
Being an employee requires you to be aware of health and safety at work.
Aug 20
Terms you need to know
This glossary will help you understand some of the terms you'll hear when you take on an apprenticeship.
Aug 20
Online timesheets for apprentices
Submitting an online timesheet is easy. Check out our tutorial to find out how.
Aug 20
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login