2026 Apprenticeship Exhibitor Program: Overview of Pathways, Partnerships, and Career Opportunities

Key points

• The document outlines the 2026 Apprenticeship Exhibitor Program hosted in Maitland, offering more than 300 apprenticeships and traineeships across a wide range of industries. It introduces the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Pathway Explorer, a collaborative effort led by Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) and the Educational Pathways Program (EPP), aimed at helping students explore careers and understand available pathways. The program emphasizes building long-term connections between employers and schools to support students as they plan their futures and pursue further training or employment. (Page 1)

• The RIEP and EPP sections describe tailored, long-term strategies to connect employers with secondary schools, enabling practical exposure to industry and informed decision-making about career pathways. RIEP focuses on creating opportunities that match both employer needs and student interests, while the Educational Pathways Program operates across a network of NSW government high schools (including the Maitland area) to expand access to guidance, training pathways, and rewarding work opportunities. The program also highlights SBAT (School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships) as a proven route to work or further education, with dedicated contacts for regional teams and school groups. (Pages 1–2)

• A separate emphasis is placed on NSW’s educational pathway offerings, detailing how SBATs are facilitated across groups of schools and how students can be matched with employers for mentoring and tailored support. The document lists regional contacts for Newcastle/Port Stephens, the Upper Hunter, Lake Macquarie, and the Central Coast to help schools and students engage with these pathways. (Pages 2–3)

• Further content introduces a dedicated ADF (Australian Defence Force) Careers exhibit as part of the program, featuring several trade roles across the Navy, Army, and Air Force. It highlights the potential benefits of pursuing a trade in the ADF, including nationally recognized qualifications, competitive salaries and superannuation, home ownership assistance, comprehensive medical and dental care, and opportunities for travel. The document invites attendees to visit the ADF Careers exhibit at the regional event and to seek insights from current service members, with further information available at the ADF Careers website. (Page 6–7)

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