CORE places motivated apprentices into hands-on construction roles across Melbourne and regional Victoria. No prior experience is required, only the drive to learn a trade and build something real. CORE handles the employment, the training contract and the support. Apprentices focus on the work.
Wire it. Connect it. Power it. Qualify across residential, commercial and infrastructure projects with the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.
Master the systems every site depends on. Build a Certificate III in Plumbing across drainage, gas and roofing.
The foundation trade behind every project. Build a Certificate III in Carpentry working across residential and commercial builds.
Strong applicants are 18 years or older, have completed Year 12 or equivalent with solid literacy and numeracy, are physically fit, hold or are working toward a driver’s licence with reliable transport, and are an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The fitness wording differs slightly by trade: electrical says comfortable working at heights or in confined spaces; plumbing says comfortable with hands-on work in varied conditions; carpentry says comfortable with hands-on work in varied weather conditions.
A nationally recognised Certificate III qualification that meets Energy Safe Victoria’s licensing requirements; full-time over four years, subject to satisfactory progress and competency. Plumbing: Certificate III in Plumbing, meeting the requirements for VBA plumbing registration in Victoria; full-time over approximately four years. Carpentry: Certificate III in Carpentry; typically three to four years — residential often within three, commercial up to four.
CORE. We are the legal employer for the full duration of the apprenticeship. CORE pays wages, manages superannuation and looks after all employment obligations. The industry partner provides the day-to-day supervision and on-the-job training.
Full-time is typically 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Overtime or weekend work may be required on some projects. Off-the-job training is scheduled alongside paid work, usually one day per week or in blocks. Trade-specific details: electrical start times around 7:00am to 3:30pm, with off-the-job adding approximately 8 hours per week (one day per week or in blocks of four days every four to five weeks); plumbing start times around 7:00am, with training blocks depending on the RTO and host site; carpentry early starts on most sites, with training blocks depending on the RTO and host site.
Tuition fees are set by the RTO delivering the qualification, and government subsidies or concessions may apply for eligible apprentices. Budget for mandatory tickets and licences (approximately $50 to $200 each), additional PPE and tools, and any medical or induction costs not covered by the host site. (Electrical specifies PPE and tools at approximately $200 to $500 and medical or induction costs at approximately $100 to $300.)
Your job and your training contract remain with CORE. If a placement ends or is not the right fit, we work with you to find another suitable host site. Progress toward the qualification is not affected.
Whether you want to start an apprenticeship or host one, CORE makes it simple. Get in touch.
