About Born to Build

Born to Build is Australia’s premier program promoting careers in building and construction.

A joint initiative between Master Builders SA and the South Australian Government, Born to Build provides industry awareness, career advice, mentoring, and most importantly, helps you find an exciting job that’s right for you.

With tens of thousands more workers needed in the next few years to meet expected demand, career opportunities in our industry are extensive, and pay for tradies continues to soar.

Most well known construction businesses are owned by someone who started out on site as an apprentice. Born to Build showcases their stories, and allows you to dare to dream about building your own empire.

Each year Born to Build places hundreds of South Australians into exciting apprenticeships, and you could be next! Our Field Coordinators are here to help support you every step of the way, so get in touch with us today.

Program Delivery & Engagement

Our Field Coordinators visit schools to present career pathways and engage students with hands-on industry insights.

We attend career expos with real-life trade demonstrations to help students explore the variety of trades available.

We provide schools, teachers and VET coordinators with resources to support students considering a trade career.

We offer hands-on activities that give students a practical taste of various construction trades.

We facilitate panel discussions where industry experts share insights and career advice with students.

Our team conducts mock interviews to help students build confidence and professional communication skills.

 

Why Choose Our Apprenticeship Program?

Join South Australia’s premier apprenticeship program and build a successful career in the trades industry

Learn On The Job

Get paid from day one and build skills for a lifetime

Full Support & Mentoring

Dedicated mentors and support staff to guide you throughout your apprenticeship journey

High-Demand Trades

Enter growing industries with excellent career prospects and job security

Why Choose Our Apprenticeship Program?

Join South Australia’s premier apprenticeship program and build a successful career in the trades industry

Carpenter

$97,000

Income Guide

4 years apprenticeship

Build and repair structures using wood and other materials. Work on residential and commercial projects including framing, roofing, and finishing work.

Wall & Floor Tiler

$87,000

Income Guide

4 year apprenticeship

Install tiles on walls, floors, and roofs. Work with ceramic, stone, and specialty tiles for residential and commercial projects.

Painter & Decorator

$88,000

Income Guide

4 years apprenticeship

Apply paints, stains, and coatings to buildings and structures. Prepare surfaces, hang wallpaper, and ensure high-quality decorative finishes.

Success Stories

Hear from graduates who’ve built successful careers through our programs

Jake Morrison

Carpenter • Class of 2023

“I went from having no trade skills to leading construction projects in just four years. The mentorship and hands-on experience were incredible.”

Now earning PLUS $95,000/year

85%

Job Placement Rate

$75k+

Average Starting Salary

Our Partners

Born to Build | Adelaide University

Testimonials

What our apprentices and industry partners have to say

Born to Build
Born to Build

“Born to Build is a no-brainer to me. Starting my career as an apprentice bricklayer, I know that having a trade can open up a lot of opportunities. I had two sons come out of high school with the misguided perception that if you don’t go to university, you’re a failure. Getting to schools and opening the minds of the students to the idea that an apprenticeship in the building industry is a positive avenue to a successful career is imperative.”

Dino Pietrobon

CEO, Bianco Precast
Born to Build
Born to Build

“Inspiring high school students to choose a career in the building industry is the first step to an apprenticeship. The Master Builders Born to Build program brings our industry into the classroom and equips students to help build our great state. I’m on board!”

Andrew Marshall

Managing Director, Marshall & Brougham Constructions
Born to Build
Born to Build

“Born to Build is really important as apprentices are the lifeblood of our industry. Without suitably trained and experienced people coming through, our industry will suffer badly. Born to Build also helps build the profile of being a tradesperson so that it clearly demonstrates it is a very worthwhile career option.”

Richard Bryant

State Manager South Australia, Newland Developments
Born to Build
Born to Build

“Apprentices and trades are the future of our industry. Born to Build supports and informs school students about the career opportunities available in the ever-growing construction industry. By showcasing the variety of opportunities, it inspires the next generation of construction workers.”

David McMahon

Managing Director, McMahon Service Australia
Explore All Trades

Hands-on vocational pathways in construction, plumbing, carpentry and more.

Explore All Trades

Office and site-based roles in project management, estimating, design and beyond.