Kick-start your career with a Higgins Apprenticeship

Whether you're still in school, ready to launch your career or looking for a rewarding change, Higgins offers hands-on opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive in the commercial painting industry. 

Register your interest

Painting a bright future

The Higgins Apprenticeship Program offers more than just training — it’s your pathway to a fulfilling career.

Combining real-world experience and structured learning, you’ll gain the technical skills and knowledge needed to earn a nationally recognised trade qualification.

With a strong focus on safety and personal development, we’ll support you every step of the way.

 

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The Higgins Apprenticeship Program

Choose the apprenticeship pathway that suits you

Choose a path that suits you

If you're a high school leaver or a mature-age applicant, you'll complete a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating over a 3–4 year apprenticeship.

Still in school? Our School-Based Apprenticeship lets you work one day a week (plus school holidays), earn apprentice wages, and get a head start on your apprenticeship.

Higgins painters walking together and laughing

Mentors ensure your success

We’re committed to making sure you learn your trade in a safe, nurturing environment. Every Higgins apprentice is paired with their own mentor who is there to guide them and support their professional and personal development from day one.

Higgins apprentices piloting a drone

Unlimited career possibilities

Your career at Higgins doesn’t have to be limited to painting. We encourage lifelong learning, and your apprenticeship could lead to exciting roles like Drone Pilot, Abseiler, Project Manager, Branch Manager, and more. Our well-defined career ladder helps take the guesswork out of your progression.

Higgins X Blue Tree Project

Join the best in the industry

When you join Higgins, you’re not just starting a trade — you’re joining a team that’s shaping the future of the industry.

With over 75 years of experience and 25 branches nationally, you'll have the opportunity to work on high-profile projects across the country, learn from the best, and grow your career wherever it takes you.

Flinders Street, Melbourne

Leave your mark

From iconic stadiums to heritage-listed buildings, you’ll work on a variety of projects that challenge your skills and spark your creativity. Watch your work come to life as you transform spaces with high-quality, lasting finishes that leave a real impact.

Higgins Trade Academy

Higgins Trade Academy

An extension of your apprenticeship training, our in-house Trade Academy brings together apprentices from all stages to learn from each other, share experiences, and have fun at the same time. With expert trainers from Higgins and industry partners, you’ll gain practical knowledge in areas such as spray painting, rendering, scaffolding, and the latest product innovations.

Women in painting

From office buildings to healthcare facilities, residential properties to educational institutions, aged care facilities to retail spaces, we understand that each commercial project demands a unique approach.

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From the brush to management

From office buildings to healthcare facilities, residential properties to educational institutions, aged care facilities to retail spaces, we understand that each commercial project demands a unique approach.

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Day in the life of an apprentice

From office buildings to healthcare facilities, residential properties to educational institutions, aged care facilities to retail spaces, we understand that each commercial project demands a unique approach.

Watch video
00:00

Find out where a Higgins Apprenticeship could take you

 

Register your interest

Hear first-hand from our apprentices

Jackson Hotai

"I joined Higgins in 2018 as an apprentice painter after working in warehousing for several years, and I haven’t looked back! Everyone’s easygoing and supportive, which makes coming to work every day enjoyable. Higgins has given me incredible opportunities to grow, from earning multiple qualifications to becoming one of the company’s first drone pilots. Plus, the work-life balance means I never have to miss out on important moments with my young family."

Jackson Project Manager
Jordan Taylor testimonial
"I started a painting apprenticeship with Higgins because I wanted to learn a trade, and I love the outdoors. The team at Higgins is fantastic – always supportive and sharing their knowledge. Every day is different, and there is always something new and exciting to learn."
Jordan Apprentice Painter
Darcy testimonial
"It’s been an incredible journey since I started as an apprentice at Higgins 9 years ago. The team is fantastic, both onsite and in the office. I’ve been given lots of opportunities to progress my career and learn new skills. The supportive team environment, outdoor work, and continuous learning make every day different and challenging."
Darcy Abseil Foreman
Jackson Hotai

"I joined Higgins in 2018 as an apprentice painter after working in warehousing for several years, and I haven’t looked back! Everyone’s easygoing and supportive, which makes coming to work every day enjoyable. Higgins has given me incredible opportunities to grow, from earning multiple qualifications to becoming one of the company’s first drone pilots. Plus, the work-life balance means I never have to miss out on important moments with my young family."

Jackson Project Manager
Jordan Taylor testimonial
"I started a painting apprenticeship with Higgins because I wanted to learn a trade, and I love the outdoors. The team at Higgins is fantastic – always supportive and sharing their knowledge. Every day is different, and there is always something new and exciting to learn."
Jordan Apprentice Painter
Darcy testimonial
"It’s been an incredible journey since I started as an apprentice at Higgins 9 years ago. The team is fantastic, both onsite and in the office. I’ve been given lots of opportunities to progress my career and learn new skills. The supportive team environment, outdoor work, and continuous learning make every day different and challenging."
Darcy Abseil Foreman
Jackson Hotai

"I joined Higgins in 2018 as an apprentice painter after working in warehousing for several years, and I haven’t looked back! Everyone’s easygoing and supportive, which makes coming to work every day enjoyable. Higgins has given me incredible opportunities to grow, from earning multiple qualifications to becoming one of the company’s first drone pilots. Plus, the work-life balance means I never have to miss out on important moments with my young family."

Jackson Project Manager
Jordan Taylor testimonial
"I started a painting apprenticeship with Higgins because I wanted to learn a trade, and I love the outdoors. The team at Higgins is fantastic – always supportive and sharing their knowledge. Every day is different, and there is always something new and exciting to learn."
Jordan Apprentice Painter
Darcy testimonial
"It’s been an incredible journey since I started as an apprentice at Higgins 9 years ago. The team is fantastic, both onsite and in the office. I’ve been given lots of opportunities to progress my career and learn new skills. The supportive team environment, outdoor work, and continuous learning make every day different and challenging."
Darcy Abseil Foreman

Frequently asked questions

Start here for answers to common questions about apprenticeships with Higgins.

A painting apprenticeship is a paid training program that teaches you the skills you need to become a professional painter. You’ll work alongside our experienced painters to learn the trade whilst completing a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, usually over a 3-4 year period.

School-based apprenticeships allow you to get a head start on your apprenticeship whilst completing high school. You’ll attend high school for four days a week and then work at Higgins for one day a week - plus school holidays - earning apprentice wage rates while working. Once you finish school and move into a full-time apprenticeship, all your previous learning will count toward your Certificate III.

If you love being outdoors, working with your hands, and solving problems, painting could be perfect for you.

You don’t need painting experience; you’ll get plenty on the job. What you do need is a strong work ethic, a respectful attitude, a willingness to learn and good punctuality. We offer a week’s work experience upfront, so you can experience working on-site before you commit to your apprenticeship.

Painting continues to be in high demand across Australia, with a steady need for qualified professionals to take on projects in commercial, residential, and specialised sectors.

If being outside, working with tools, and creative problem-solving appeals to you, painting could be a rewarding career path. Every project is a chance to make an impact — you’ll meet new people, explore new places, and see your work come to life.

Besides the normal external-based apprenticeship theory and training, Higgins also has its own in-house training academy, which is used to provide you with extra upskilling in various tasks, such as spray painting, rendering, scaffolding and how to use new products that come onto the market.

Every apprentice has their own dedicated Higgins mentor who will provide you with additional guidance and support.

An apprenticeship offers you the opportunity to earn as you learn. Higgins pays well above minimum Award wages, and mature-age apprentices are paid the equivalent of third-year apprentice wages when they commence.

There is no upper age limit on applying for an apprenticeship, and Higgins has taken on many successful mature age apprentices across the country.

Complete the form below to register your interest, and our Apprenticeship Manager will get in touch to discuss any opportunities you might be suitable for.

Life at Higgins

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Higgins Painters Abroad in Munich!

Sunshine Coast painters Jack and Rowan are in Munich, sharpening their skills and embracing world-class German painting standards.
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QLD Apprentice of the Year awards

Celebrating Excellence at Higgins Coatings!

Our Queensland team celebrated the year that was with a black-tie celebration at the Hyatt Regency Brisbane! 
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Higgins Cooks for a Cause with OzHarvest

Higgins teams in Melbourne and Adelaide join forces with OzHarvest to cook meals for those in need, highlighting the impact of zero-waste cooking and community support.
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Register your interest

An apprenticeship with Higgins is your pathway to a bright and rewarding career. To discover what opportunities are currently available, register your interest here, and our apprenticeship team will be in touch.