Why Host Employers Should Hire Mature-Aged Electrical Apprentices
For many electrical businesses, apprentices are the backbone of the future workforce. However, a common hesitation among host employers is whether to take on mature-aged apprentices. Concerns over costs, training time, and physical demands often lead businesses to prefer younger candidates.
What Makes Someone a Mature Age Apprentice?
A mature-age or adult apprentice is anyone who begins their apprenticeship at 21 years or older.
The amount of adult apprentices is increasing - individuals aged 25 years and over commencing a trade apprenticeship has ballooned by over 70 per-cent since the pandemic. These numbers are continuing to grow, especially in WA with over 45’s in apprentice roles doubling in the last few years
But what if mature-aged apprentices could actually be a strategic advantage for your business?
At Electrical Group Training (EGT), we’ve seen firsthand how mature-aged apprentices bring valuable skills, reliability, and work ethic—making them a powerful asset to any electrical business.
Benefits of Hiring a Mature-Aged Electrical Apprentice
Greater Work Ethic & Reliability
Mature-aged apprentices are more likely to have professional experience in other industries, meaning they understand the importance of punctuality, accountability, and teamwork.
Transferable Skills & Faster Learning
Many mature-aged apprentices come from trade, construction, or technical backgrounds, equipping them with hands-on experience that allows them to pick up skills quickly.
Stronger Communication & Teamwork
Having worked for other companies, mature-aged apprentices often bring superior communication skills that help create smoother workplace dynamics.
Commitment to Career & Motivation to Succeed
Unlike school-leavers who may still be exploring career paths, mature-aged apprentices have generally made an active decision to switch careers and are fully committed to completing their apprenticeship.
Improved Safety Awareness & Risk Management
With more life and work experience, mature-aged apprentices tend to be more aware of workplace safety and are often better at following safety procedures—critical in the electrical trade.
Role Model For Younger Apprentices
Having a mature-aged apprentice in your team can create a good environment for your junior apprentices. Their maturity, life experience and work ethic mean they can provide a positive example for younger apprentices.
Do Mature Age Apprentices Cost More?
While it's true that mature-aged apprentices have a higher award wage than a junior apprentice, this cost is often offset by higher efficiency, faster learning, and greater reliability.
Mature-age apprentices often require less direct supervision, meaning you are getting a higher return on your investment.
In the first years of an apprenticeship, junior apprentices may need closer attention and more practice to master tasks, which can increase the time impact and therefore the cost of training. Mature age apprentices with more hands-on experience may learn tasks more quickly, resulting in reduced long-term training costs.
Learn more about exactly how much apprentices cost here.
How EGT Supports Host Employers
When it comes to hiring apprentices, EGT is there to support host employers and apprentices to ensure a great fit. Best of all if the apprentice we supply doesn’t suit your business you can get help to manage the apprentice from their field officer or request a different apprentice for a better fit.
We ensure every apprentice, regardless of age, meets high standards before placement.
All EGT apprentices undertake thorough recruitment and induction processes along with safety training to ensure they are ready to work in your business.
Hassle-Free Apprenticeship Management
The EGT team are experts in human resources, safety, workers compensation and payroll, so you can focus on running your business and transferring your trade knowledge, while we take care of the rest.
Mature-aged apprentices bring skills, reliability, and motivation that can benefit your business in ways younger apprentices may not. By partnering with EGT, you gain access to high-quality, job-ready apprentices while eliminating administrative headaches.
