Apprenticeship program We invest in our future talent

Why Schindler

Schindler Australia’s apprenticeship program has been running for over 30 years and we currently have over 100 apprentices in our program. Unlike many other companies, we employ our apprentices directly.

Program structure

Our Program involves rotations through our New Installations and Service departments and ensures that you will gain exposure to a wide range of electrical, mechanical, and telecommunications disciplines.

Training opportunities

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will be required to attend trade school and study for your trade qualification (Electrotechnology Certificate III).

Pre-requisite information

For entry into our apprenticeships or traineeships we generally only accept individuals who have completed Year 10 schooling. If you are under 18 years of age at the start date of your apprenticeship or traineeship, your parent or guardian must sign the training contract, amongst other responsibilities.

Non-residents: As a general rule, only Australian citizens and New Zealand citizens who have entered Australia on a valid passport, can apply.

How to apply?

The Schindler Apprentice intake begins in August each year and apprenticeships will commence in the following January.

Our selection process involves specific testing in the areas of mathematical ability, electrical and mechanical reasoning, safety aptitude, an interview and a pre-employment medical.

Future career opportunities

At Schindler we have a success rate of over 95% of apprentices not only completing their trade, but deciding to continue their careers within the Schindler Group.

Upon finishing their apprenticeships, some Schindler graduates have taken their careers well beyond the electrical field.

Whilst many choose to continue in the trade, some have taken career paths leading to technical, engineering, sales, operations and management roles.

For Apprentice Natasha Cupsa, there was never any doubt about what she wanted to do as a career.

Natasha undertook a pre-apprenticeship course and gained a certificate II in Electrotechnology, yet despite this she was told it would be hard for her to break into the industry because she was female.

From a young age I have always been interested in how things worked. I was always pulling things apart and loved all things mechanical and electrical.

I literally applied for hundreds of jobs, I couldn't even land an interview. There were tears when I got the job and it has been the best thing I have ever done.

Schindler values attitude and enthusiasm over gender and wasn't scared to hire a woman. Apprentices at Schindler are seen as an important part of the company's future and I would definitely recommend it as a career path to anyone who is interested.

Natasha Cupsa

Growing up with an interest in all things Electrical and Mechanical, Nathan Chalouhi found that a Schindler apprenticeship offered him the perfect mix of skills and opportunity.

Recently completing his apprenticeship, Nathan has since moved into a role as a lift Tuner, where he is responsible for the commission, installation management and quality control of new lifts.

The apprenticeship provided some very thorough industry training. It is a good combination of Electrical and Mechanical and not like some apprenticeships where you would be pulling cables all day.

Rotating through New Installations, Modernisations and Escalators provided plenty of challenges, but I was always given the opportunity to problem solve and engineer a solution. I am always working on something different at home and the skills that I have learned have helped me with everything from engine rebuilding to plumbing.

There is a good level of trust at Schindler and you don’t constantly have someone looking over your shoulder. If you work hard, take pride in what you do and show some initiative, it will get noticed.

I have not long finished my trade and I am already responsible for commissioning equipment on the largest lift and escalator project ever undertaken in Australia.

Nathan Chalouhi