9-15 February 2026
National Apprenticeship Week Australia (NAWA) is all about promoting the value of Australian Apprenticeships to employers, job seekers, industry and government.
It’s an inclusive observance week designed to advance the role apprenticeships play in building workforce skills, knowledge and a robust Australian economy.
NAWA is the perfect opportunity recognise the importance of apprentices and trainees who make an essential contribution to their employers and to the future of Australia’s skilled workforce.
As tens of thousands of Year 12s think ahead to their future career, and recent school leavers ponder their job options, NAWA is timed to raise awareness of the advantages of undertaking apprenticeships.
NAWA is an initiative of MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees.
The National Apprenticeship Week Theme is “Skills in Motion”
The theme "Skills in Motion" captures the essence of Australian Apprenticeships and their role in shaping dynamic, future-ready careers. It’s symbolic of the evolution of skills, knowledge, and expertise that apprentices develop as they begin on their career path.
"Skills in Motion" encourages individuals to take ownership of their career trajectory, emphasising that an apprenticeship is not a stationary start – it’s an initiative-taking, engaging process of growth that propels them forward.
It challenges employers, educators, and policymakers to keep this momentum alive, ensuring that trades remain vibrant and accessible pathways that create livelihoods.
Through apprenticeships, skills are more than static, they are in constant motion, driving personal achievement, industry excellence, and national progress.
How You Can Get Involved
This National Apprenticeship Week we’re asking you to Give a Shout to an apprentice or trainee in your workplace.
It’s no secret completing an apprenticeship takes grit, determination, technical nouse and a whole lot of elbow grease. Apprentices also deal with a bunch of ‘firsts’ when beginning their training – first job, first time completing formal study, and maybe first time living away from friends or family.
Australian Apprenticeships are really all about people giving something a go, learning something new, and putting themselves out of their comfort zone.
There are three ways you can Give a Shout this National Apprenticeship Week:
1. Give an apprentice or trainee at your workplace a shout-out. Whether it’s a toolbox talk or pre-start huddle, point out their efforts. Good old-fashioned encouragement goes a very long way.
2. Shout them a coldie or coffee at knock-off. Make time for a chat to share some of your experiences or advice about the job over a brew. It helps them feel part of the team, happier and perform better.
3. Get loud about tradie mental health by wearing your Trademutt shirt. We’re right behind Trademutt and TIACS to provide mental health support to apprentices at the start of their working life. So pull on your brightly coloured PPE to show your support.
And remember, share your shout with quick pic and post it to your socials with the hashtags #giveashout #NAWA.
Download Supporter Media
Show support for apprentices and trainees in your workplace by downloading and displaying National Apprenticeship Week posters!
Or create your own posters and social media posts with the National Apprenticeship Week logo (including layout/colour variations).
Posters
We all started somewhere
Apprentices and trainees learn on-the-job from seasoned professionals to acquire an array of practical, marketable skills that enhance their employability. They earn a wage in a real workplace and complete a nationally recognised qualification to become highly skilled and job ready.
For employers, apprenticeships offer an effective way of onboarding and growing a capable workforce from within and provide options for talent succession. In many cases apprenticeships result in full-time employment with the chance to progress into leadership roles.
Apprentices have the potential to develop into long-term employees bringing new energy, ideas and transferable skills to the workplace.
This National Apprenticeship Week we’re encouraging everyone to spread the word about the value of apprenticeships. Let's unite to recognise the accomplishments of apprentices and the contributions they bring to the workforce, whether you are an employer, an apprentice, or simply someone who supports the skilled trades.
National Apprenticeship Week Australia Supporters
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TIACS - This is a conversation Starter
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MiTraining - RTO Code 45183