Gem of an opportunity for an apprentice

Founded by Nicholas Theochari in 1981, MDT Design is an award-winning family-owned jewellery studio and workshop. Being tradespeople, they understand the skill, practice and dedication it takes to learn a trade.

“My father and I both started our careers as apprentices, so we understand first-hand how important good tools, experienced mentors and practical training can be when you’re learning a trade,” explains Managing Director Kosta Theochari.

“These days apprentices need all the support they can get.”

The MDT DESIGN Australian Apprentice Tool Grant will provide one Australian apprentice up to $3,000 towards tools and equipment for their trade.

It is open to any apprentice from any trade, anywhere in Australia. The application involves an apprentice sharing their best story from their apprenticeship.

It needs to be 100 or less of their own words, not written by AI. The story could be about something the applicant built, made, fixed or created. It might be a mistake that was learnt from and will never be made again, something a mentor taught, or a difficult job they finally figured out on your own.

As MDT explain at the website:

“This isn’t an English exam! We’re looking for a genuine story from an apprentice who takes pride in learning their trade – not perfect grammar or professional writing but it must be written by you. Not by AI.”

The team will consider the story, the applicant’s enthusiasm for their trade and how the $3,000 tool grant could help them develop their skills.

“Be yourself. We’d rather read 100 honest words than 100 perfect ones,” they say.

“Different trades use different tools, but we understand the importance of learning from experienced tradespeople, developing practical skills and taking pride in doing a job properly. We know what good tools mean because we use them every day.”

Applications close November 30, 2026.

Find out all the details of how to apply here.

Kosta Theochari working at the jewellers bench.

Images courtesy MDT Design

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