A step-by-step guide to sign-up a First Nations apprentice and receive ongoing support

Taking the first step into a new career can be both exciting and overwhelming – especially when you’re navigating systems for the first time.

At Bamara, we’re here to walk beside you.

Whether you’re a First Nations person starting your apprenticeship journey, or an employer wanting to offer the right support to your apprentice, our goal is to make the process simple, supportive and culturally appropriate.

Bamara is proud to be a First Nations Specialist Provider of Australian Apprenticeship Support Services delivering Training Contract signup services, including holistic Mentoring and Personal Support across New South Wales.

Our services are delivered by First Nations mentors who bring lived experience, local knowledge, and cultural understanding every step of the journey.

Through this program, we support both apprentices and employers – helping you stay informed, meet your responsibilities, and access the right resources to succeed.

Why choose an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are a great way to gain a nationally recognised qualification while earning a wage and building real work experience.

They provide hands-on learning in industries such as construction, business, community services, hospitality, automotive, and many more.

For First Nations people, apprenticeships can be a powerful step towards long-term employment, independence, and community contribution.

As an apprentice, you’ll receive on-the-job training through an employer, as well as formal study with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Best of all, with Bamara’s support, you’re not doing it alone.

Learn more about how Emily, a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprentice at Tefol, benefits from invaluable support and guidance that enhances her apprenticeship experience from Bamara.

What does Bamara offer?

We provide more than just help with paperwork. Bamara offers:

• Step-by-step guidance through the sign-up process
• Culturally responsive mentoring and personal support
• Ongoing support throughout the apprenticeship
• Help with incentive eligibility and access to financial support
• Connections between apprentices, employers and training providers.

Whether you’re an apprentice or employer, we’re here to make sure everything runs smoothly—and that the experience is rewarding for everyone involved.

The sign-up process: what to expect

1. Getting started

The process begins when an apprentice or employer contacts us directly, submits an enquiry through our website, or speaks with one of our consultants. From there:

• A consultant is assigned and makes contact within 48 hours.

• We confirm that the apprentice identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander which qualifies them to be signed up and supported by Bamara.

• A face-to-face sign-up meeting is scheduled at a date, time, and location that work for both the employer and the apprentice at the workplace, when possible.

• We encourage parents/guardians to attend if the apprentice is under 18.

• A specialist mentor will attend the signup when possible, allowing the apprentice and employer to contact their support person from the outset.

• A pre-signup form is sent via email to gather the required information for setting up the contract prior to the appointment. A signup pack containing relevant information is emailed to both parties.

2. Preparing for sign-up

Before the meeting, we:

• Prepare training contracts
• Check any previous support assessments
• Ensure employer eligibility for incentives
• Review the business against the National Redress Scheme (if applicable)
• Print the Training Plan Proposal (TPP) and eligibility advice for completion at the signup meeting information.

3. The sign-up meeting

This is where we bring everyone together. During the meeting, we:

• Confirm that the apprenticeship arrangements are appropriate.
  
• Complete assessments and identify any support needs.
  
• Finalise and sign the training contract.
  
• Explain everyone’s roles and responsibilities (RTO, employer, Bamara, government).
  
• Introduce the mentoring and personal support process.
  
• Assist with accessing the ADMS access and setting up MyID and MyGovID if needed
  
• Explain incentive eligibility and complete related documents
  
• Discuss the Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan (if relevant)
  
• Guide employers on payroll reporting requirements

If the apprentice is under 18, we speak with their parent/guardian if not present to confirm understanding and consent.

4. After the sign-up

Once the paperwork is completed, Bamara will:

• Submit the training contract for approval.
• Send the TPP to the RTO.
• Share eligibility advice with the employer and apprentice.
• Upload all documentation to our system.
• Follow up on any outstanding forms, signatures or evidence.
  
  

What happens next?

The journey doesn’t end with sign-up. Bamara continues to walk alongside both apprentices and employers throughout the training period. Our First Nations mentors provide tailored support to:

• Help manage challenges that arise at work or during training.
• Provide emotional and practical support.
• Keep you on track with your goals and responsibilities

We will also provide advice and support to employers to ensure a positive experience for all involved. Employers may also receive tailored assistance from mentors if they wish for ongoing guidance.

How Bamara makes a difference

Bamara’s approach is all about respect, understanding, and genuine care. We don’t just tick boxes, we build relationships.

Our Apprenticeship staff and First Nations mentors understand the importance of cultural connection, and we make sure our support is responsive to your personal, workplace, and community needs.

We’ve seen first-hand how meaningful apprenticeships can be. With the right support in place, they offer a pathway to independence, confidence, and lasting change.

Learn more about how our Mentoring and Personal Support services instill a sense of pride and understanding of First Nations culture at South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD). 

How to get started

If you’re a First Nations apprentice – or an employer ready to support one – get in touch with Bamara today.

We’re here to make the process simple and meaningful – and we’ll be with you every step of the way.