Mas National

20/10/2026

What do you gain from completing an apprenticeship or traineeship?

Here are just some of the benefits:

🔸A nationally recognised qualification
🔸Hands on experience
🔸Opportunities for further study
🔸Greater employability
🔸Strong professional references
🔸A growing industry network
🔸No student debt
🔸A real career pathway

This is a program that allows you to develop your skills while training alongside experienced professionals in your field. You work, get paid and earn a qualification at the same time.

Depending on your occupation, you may also be eligible for government incentives to help you reach completion.

Want to learn more about apprenticeships and traineeships?

Drop “training” in the comments and we’ll send you more info.

19/10/2026

Scott McLennan has already been praised for leading our team as Mas National Allied Health Manager. But this time, he was recognised for something that goes beyond what he does at Mas.

To win an IntoWork Value Award, you need to be nominated by someone within the Group. Every month, five team members are acknowledged for demonstrating one of our shared values: Collaboration, Courage, Innovation, Integrity and Respect.

The reason Scott got the nomination was that the team saw how he handled a challenging situation outside of work.

“Scott McLennan demonstrates respect through the care, dignity and humanity he showed when a member of the public experienced a serious health crisis outside the Milton office,” said IntoWork.

Scott calmly sat with the person while waiting for emergency assistance, making sure they felt reassured, safe and supported.

“He responded without judgement and treated the person with compassion during an extremely difficult moment,” said IntoWork.

“Scott’s actions reflect empathy, professionalism and genuine respect for others, making him a strong role model and a valued member of the Allied Health team.”

Today, we want to recognise Scott for serving our community, using the best of his knowledge and years of experience to support someone during a tough time.

Thank you, Scott.

16/10/2026

Australia needs qualified people to work in specific occupations within the sport industry and is willing to train people for these roles.

At the moment, this includes careers as swimming and gymnastics coaches or instructors, outdoor adventure leaders or guides, and even sports turf managers. How cool is that?

These occupations have been added to the most recent Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, which is based on the Occupation Shortage List published by Jobs and Skills Australia.

What does this mean for Australians looking to start an apprenticeship or traineeship in this field?

They may be eligible to access incentives designed to support apprentices throughout their training.

It’s important to remember that the list changes from time to time, and there are certain criteria you need to meet to receive this financial support from the government.

But don’t worry. If you’re considering training for any occupation on the Priority List, you can talk to our team to better understand your options.

Visit Mas National https://masnational.com.au to book a chat with our team. Just open the Contact Mas tab and follow the prompts.

15/10/2026

For some, it’s their first step into the job market. For others, it’s an opportunity to overcome barriers and get ready to build a career in construction.

The 10 participants joining the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Certificate I in Construction program include First Nations people, people with disability, and job seekers who have experienced bullying, homelessness, low confidence or limited employment history.

Delivered by Ideal Placements in partnership with Mackay RSL, Mackay Regional Council and RTO Civil Safety, the program will help participants develop the practical and interpersonal skills needed to move into employment, further training or an apprenticeship in the industry.

“Participants will learn to increase their confidence, improve workplace readiness, and develop valuable construction and employability skills,” said Tegan Kowitz, their local Mas Apprenticeship Consultant.

“Those with limited work experience will gain their first exposure to workplace environments, while participants who have previously experienced barriers will be able to engage in learning within a supportive setting, significantly improving their opportunities for successful long-term workforce participation.”

Through practical construction activities, mentoring and industry exposure, participants can strengthen their skills in a supportive and inclusive environment that recognises individual learning needs and encourages active participation.

They’ll also have the opportunity to build resilience, improve their communication skills and develop positive workplace behaviours, while gaining hands-on experience and a better understanding of employer expectations.

The Mas team has signed up all 10 participants and is proud to work alongside them throughout the program.

Congratulations to each one of them on taking this big step. We’re here to support you throughout your training journey.

14/10/2026

Before we wrap up 2026, here’s one more chance to connect, share experiences and learn more about how apprenticeships can open doors to exciting new career opportunities in the new year.

During November and December, we’re bringing our popular Mas Meets events to different locations across Australia.

Depending on where you are, you’ll have the chance to join us for:

🔸Breaking Ground | Women in Trades

Hear about career journeys from those who have thrived in the industry and connect with fellow apprentices, trainees, leaders, employers and community partners.

🔸Ability in Action | Disability & Inclusive Employment

Celebrate ability, share experiences and help build more inclusive apprenticeship opportunities.

You can expect inspiring panel conversations, new connections, light refreshments and a little fun along the way, including a lucky door prize!

Find an event near you and save your spot by clicking one of the links below:

🔸ACT - Tuggeranong (Thursday 5th November, 7:30am – 9:30am): https://bit.ly/3TQhUKF

🔸SA - Adelaide (Thursday 12th November, 4:00pm – 6:00pm): https://bit.ly/47qZcMD

🔸QLD - Brisbane (12th November 2026, 5.00pm–7.00pm): https://bit.ly/4ho25nu

🔸NSW – Newcastle (Tue Nov 17th 2026, 7:30am – 9:30am): https://bit.ly/3VYU53K

🔸VIC – Narre Warren (Tue Nov 24th 2026,10am – 12pm): https://bit.ly/4ATgwrg

🔸TAS – Hobart (Thur 3rd Dec 2026, 10am – 12pm): https://bit.ly/4s4IH2D

# MasNational

13/10/2026

Winning is great, but how much more special is it when you have people there to celebrate with you?

This photo sequence from the 2026 Tasmanian Training Awards is a great example of how we all have the power to make moments like these even more meaningful by showing up for others.

Mani Rai was named Equity Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, an award proudly sponsored by Mas and presented by our TAS State Manager, Nick Probert.

When Nick announced the winner, Mani’s fellow finalists were right there celebrating with him, both before and after his speech.

It’s a particularly special award category, acknowledging an apprentice or trainee who has overcome significant barriers or disadvantage while undertaking their training.

Mani was recognised for his strong commitment to developing his knowledge and skills and building his confidence in a formal learning environment while completing a Certificate III in Community Services.

“Mani’s dedication to professional development and lifelong learning reflects his determination to make a positive contribution to the community after arriving in Tasmania 13 years earlier,” said Skills Tasmania.

“He continues to apply his skills to support others and is a valued contributor within the organisations and communities he serves.”

And just like Mani, his fellow finalists reached that stage through their own stories of overcoming challenges to gain a qualification. So, let’s recognise them here too:

Sam Cook – Certificate III in Individual Support

San Man Rai – Certificate III in Individual Support

Brison Sipthorp – Certificate IV in Information Technology

As the 2026 TTA Premium Sponsor, it’s always a privilege to be part of moments like this.

Let’s keep celebrating them in the comments.

12/10/2026

How about ending 2026 with a new job that gives you the opportunity to earn a qualification?

Transport for NSW has opened five spots in its Heavy Vehicle Mechanical training program across these locations:

🔸Hay
🔸Broken Hill
🔸Dubbo
🔸Narrandera
🔸Yennora

As an apprentice, you’ll have the chance to work alongside qualified mechanics while learning and developing practical skills in servicing, repairing and maintaining heavy vehicles, plant and mechanical equipment. You’ll gain experience in both workshop and field environments.

You can learn more and find out how to apply on the Mas jobs board: https://bit.ly/4dywJbm

09/10/2026

Whether they’re in trade or non-trade contracts, apprentices and trainees continue to be concentrated in a small number of occupation groups.

That’s according to the NCVER Apprentices and trainees 2026: March quarter report.

The latest report also shows that, despite a decline in trade commencements in the 12 months to 31 March, there was a modest 2% rise in the latest quarter. Growth was stronger among key occupations in shortage, including:

-Electricians, up 19.0%

-Carpenters and Joiners, up 10.3%

-Plumbers, up 5.4%

“Recent quarterly data show record-high commencements for Electricians and Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics,” said NCVER.

Another trend was a 9.9% increase in trade completions compared with the previous year, reflecting the higher commencement rates between 2021 and 2022.

“In the 12 months to March 2026, trade completions reached record highs for Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers, Construction Trades Workers, and Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers, reflecting the flow-through of higher commencements in earlier years,” said NCVER.

Apprentices working in these occupations may be eligible for incentives through the current Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP), designed to grow Australia’s workforce in critical industries like clean energy and housing construction.

The KAP has two streams, the New Energy Apprenticeship Stream (NEA) and the Housing Construction Apprenticeship (HCA) Stream. Eligible apprentices can receive up to $10,000 for full-time apprenticeships or up to $5,000 for part-time apprenticeships throughout their training.

If you want to know more about these incentives and how they support apprentices throughout their training, visit: https://bit.ly/47GTgiH

08/10/2026

A training program helped Caitlin get ready to seize the right opportunity when it came along.

After completing her apprenticeship and becoming a qualified hairdresser, she received an offer last December to buy the salon where she worked.

Caitlin didn’t miss the chance and started 2026 as a business owner, soon hiring her first apprentice.

Mas Apprenticeship Consultant Rosie McKenzie has watched Caitlin progress firsthand over five years, supporting her at every stage, from starting her training to becoming an employer herself.

If you want to gain a qualification that will also prepare you to chase your professional goals, learn more about training and how an apprenticeship can help you build the skills you need to succeed in the job market.

We tell you more about apprenticeships here: https://bit.ly/4hQuDoJ

06/10/2026

As part of the IntoWork Australia Group, we’d like to extend our congratulations to Christine Zechowski, who has now been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer.

We look forward to continuing to count on her leadership and partnership as we support Australian communities to gain skills and find meaningful employment across different industries.

Please join us in congratulating Christine in the comments!

We're pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Zechowski as Group Chief Executive Officer of IntoWork.

Christine's connection to IntoWork spans more than 17 years, during which she has played a significant role in helping shape the organisation's growth, direction and impact.

Having held a number of senior leadership positions across the Group, including Chief Executive Officer of MRAEL, Group Chief Operating Officer and most recently Interim Group CEO, Christine brings deep knowledge of our businesses, our people and the communities we serve.

Throughout her career, Christine has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating opportunities, strengthening organisations and delivering meaningful outcomes for participants, employers, employees and communities.

As we look to the future, we are excited to continue building on our purpose-driven legacy under Christine's leadership.

Please join us in congratulating Christine on her appointment.

Read more about Christine's appointment and leadership journey: https://bit.ly/4AJnfDV