METRO’s two year Traineeships in the Presbyterian Church of Victoria are facilitated through a partnership with the Ministry Training Strategy (MTS).  

It is a two year, full time traineeship, valuing life-on-life training between a trainer and trainee, including a mix of hands-on training, feedback and modelling.

Preparation Year

To get the most out of the traineeship, it is necessary to prepare in a number of ways, especially with regard to the key relationships involved. For this reason, we strongly suggest that you do a prep year.

Key Information

For more detailed information on the METRO (MTS) Traineeship, and instructions for church Session & Board, please refer to the two documents below.

Traineeship Pathways & Funding

MTS bring a great deal of experience and also administrative advantages in helping churches and individuals undertaking ministry apprenticeships.  One of the benefits in doing our traineeships through MTS means that there is the potential in getting tax deductibility for those financially supporting apprentices.  MTS apprenticeships also provide a number of different ministry pathways that can be understood here.

Compared to previous years, there will be differences in the funding.  There are variations in how different apprenticeships are funded and these differences can be seen here.

The METRO Committee will commit $5000 per year to each approved trainee in help churches and individuals seeking to make disciples for Jesus.  

Application Process

Applications open July to September 30th

Please complete the following steps:

1. Available Apprenticeship Notice form (please follow instructions below)
   • Ensure you select a “METRO MTS” option under “Apprenticeship Type”
   • This must be completed by the church before other forms are submitted
2. Apprentice application form 
   • Ensure you select a “METRO MTS” option under “Apprenticeship Type”
3. Trainer application form (All trainers must complete this form)
   • Ensure you select a “METRO MTS” option under “Apprenticeship Type”
4. All trainees and trainers must meet and adhere to the Safe Church Requirements
5. Ensure your Session Clerk receives this document (METRO Church Session Information 2024) and sends METRO the Minutes extract.

Please make sure that these forms are to be completed only with the knowledge and approval of your church’s Session. 

Note- it is the potential trainer’s responsibility to ensure that each of these forms are completed by September 30th.

Save the Date: Orientation will be held on Saturday November 18th, 2023.

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Is your church seeking a METRO Trainee?

Is your church wanting a trainee to join your team, but don’t have anyone currently interested in your congregation?

The Session may want to consider filling out an “Available Apprenticeship Application Form”, expressing your church or ministry’s intention to offer a Traineeship. The list of churches who are offering these places is publicly accessible here, and gives potential trainees currently worshipping elsewhere an opportunity to apply to your church.