How apprenticeships have revolutionised

Mas National Field Officer Stephen Morales has come full circle in his career, from a young apprentice to a respected tradesman and now a key figure in supporting new apprentices.

With over 25 years of experience, Stephen has witnessed significant changes in the apprenticeship landscape, highlighting both the challenges and improvements over the decades.

Stephen began his apprenticeship in the printing industry at the age of 15. The environment was tough, with long hours and minimal support. “I’d wake up at 5:15 every morning, walk to the train station, and catch the train to Redfern,” Stephen said.

“I didn’t have a driver’s license, so I had to walk to work and start at 7 AM. The pressure was immense, and the contract was binding—no matter what, you stayed.”

Safety was also a major concern. “There was no safety protection. I had blisters on my fingers from the strong solvents, and I was called names that I wouldn’t repeat,” he said.

Despite the harsh conditions, he persevered, driven by a desire to prove himself.

As Stephen progressed, he gained respect and eventually became a tradesman. “The environment improved in my third and fourth years. I had a mentor who supported me, and I knew I wanted to treat apprentices differently when I had the chance,” he said.

His first apprentice, who started about 40 years ago, went on to start his own business, and Stephen was even his groomsman at his wedding. “We still keep in touch, and it’s a source of great pride for me,” he said.

After years of training people as an employer, Stephen decided to become a mentor, and started working for a Group Training Organisation (GTO) where he could mentor hundreds of apprentices.

Stephen is passionate about ensuring that apprentices have a good experience and continues to provide constant support and mentorship to apprentices in his current role at Mas National (part of the IntoWork Group) as a Field Officer in Narrawallee, New South Wales.

Mas has implemented various initiatives to support apprentices, including regular check-ins and mentoring programs. “We have a responsibility to ensure that apprentices are treated fairly and have the resources they need to succeed. It’s a world apart from when I started,” Stephen said. “If we encounter issues, we can work with training services to address them and provide the necessary support.”

“Knowing that there’s someone you can contact if there are any issues, having a phone number, and knowing about the resources you might be eligible for, like a concession card, are huge advantages today. Back then, there was no support. If you were lucky, you had a good tradesman, but many were abusive,” he said.

Stephen underscores the importance of mental health support in the modern apprenticeship system. “A good percentage of apprentices I sign up struggle with their mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Mas has a mentoring program that I support, and I always talk about confidentiality and encourage open communication.”

In fact, communication is what Stephen stresses most for new apprentices. “Communication is the biggest factor. Talk to your employer, and if they’re not equipped to help, call Mas National.” he said.

“Also, continue to talk to your peers. Look after each other, especially if there are one or two apprentices in the workplace.”

Stephen is proud of Mas’s commitment to mental health and support. “The brilliant thing about Mas is that we have resources for mental health and mentoring. When I’ve used these services, they’ve been prompt and effective,” he said. “We need to continue to evolve and provide more support, especially in small businesses where resources are limited.”

“I’m proud to be part of an organisation that values and invests in the next generation of tradespeople.”