International Apprentice Exchange Program

International exchange programs assist Australian Apprentices and recently qualified individuals to broaden their skills and knowledge, gaining valuable experience in their trade or profession in one or more international destinations.

GAN Australia supports exchange programs through our annual scholarship. Scholarship applications will open later in 2024 and are awarded at the annual Apprentice Training Awards in late 2024.

You can also be supported through a financial contribution from your employer. GAN Australia can assist with the development of a scholarship program for employer-funded exchange programs.

About the program

Individuals who are participating in an exchange program will not be paid during the duration of the exchange. This is due to visa requirements for international destinations.

If you are awarded a GAN Australia scholarship, your expenses including travel, accommodation, insurance, meals and other expenses will be covered up to the total amount of the scholarship.

In exchange for this opportunity, you will be asked to share your experiences with others both during and after the exchange. You will be supported by GAN Australia staff to promote your experience, including through video interviews and social media promotions.

This program is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the industry in your host country, as well as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

The itinerary for your international exchange program will be developed in collaboration with GAN Australia, and finalised prior to your departure from Australia. The activities and schedule will vary depending on the location, industry, and timing of the exchange program. Our team will work with you to create a personalised itinerary that maximizes your learning experience and provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the trade industry in your host country.

It is expected that the exchange program will include visits to training facilities, employer locations, or other industry-relevant activities. An itinerary may be developed around a significant event in the host country, such as an industry competition or show.

Luke Green

Luke Green is a 2nd year Sports Turf Management apprentice with NextGen Jobs and host employer Ringwood Golf, Maroondah City Council.

He is planning to travel to Switzerland during the European summer to learn about their world-leading sports turf management systems. Switzerland is home to a large number of football (soccer) fields, golf courses, and racing tracks, which Luke will be visiting to develop his turf management skills.

As well as being a location for brilliant sports turf, Switzerland is considered a leader within the global apprenticeships community. During his travel, Luke will be able to visit training facilities and talk with apprentices, trainers, and employers. He will be bringing back some reflections on the differences between the Australian and Swiss systems.

Leela Subramaniam

Leela is a sous chef from the Mornington Peninsular, who’s amazing story captured the hearts of Australians during last year’s Victorian Training Awards. As the Victorian Apprentice of the Year winner, Leela progressed to the Australian Training Awards where she placed runner up.

Moving into the role of sous chef having only just completed her apprenticeship, Leela is known by her employer as an outstanding chef. She plans on taking her skills to the next level by gaining experience overseas, hopefully in a Michelin Star restaurant.

Back home, Leela has ambitions to use her skills and experience to work with disadvantages communities, supporting refugee women to enter the hospitality industry.

Jayme Cannon

Jayme is a carpenter from regional Victoria, who completed his apprenticeship with Westvic Staffing Solutions. In the 2023 WorldSkills Australia National Championship, Jamye demonstrated his outstanding skills, taking home the gold medal for carpentry.

Unfortunately, Jayme is unable to compete in the WorldSkills International competitions in 2024 due to the age limits. But this won’t stop him from attending. Jayme plans on using his scholarship to travel to Lyon to support the Australian team, while developing his personal and professional skills.