Should I start an Apprenticeship or Traineeship?
There are many reasons to consider starting an apprenticeship or traineeship.
As an Australian Apprentice, you get a clear pathway from school to work, get paid while your train, gain sought-after practical experience and finish with a nationally recognized qualification.
Apprenticeships and traineeships are available for anyone who has finished Year 10 (with some exemptions), don’t require HSC, allow you to study full-time or part-time, access the same benefits as other employees and graduate without a big debt.
What is an apprenticeship?
An Australian Apprenticeship, commonly known as an apprenticeship or traineeship, is a learning pathway that combines paid on-the-job training and formal study.
Both pathways provide valuable work experience, lead to nationally recognised qualifications, and can be stepping stones to further career opportunities or higher education.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a structured training arrangement usually lasting 3.5 or four years. The training combines practical experience at work with complementary off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are education providers of nationally - recognised courses and qualifications. RTOs can include technical colleges, private institutions, industry organisations and individual businesses.
Traineeship
A traineeship is a training agreement between the trainee and their respective employer whereby the employer agrees to train the trainee in a specific industry, and the trainee agrees to work and learn.
Traineeships last 1-3 years and are available in office administration, information technology, hospitality and more.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
Australian School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships allow you to combine your schooling with part-time on-the-job training and formal study to achieve a nationally recognised qualification.
This type of learning is a great way to get your career off to a head-start while you are still at school, as you are already on the way to getting qualified before you have even finished Year 12.
By starting an Australian Apprenticeship under a school-based arrangement, you may be able to knock 1-2 years off an apprenticeship and even complete a traineeship, depending on the qualification. The duration depends on the type of apprenticeship or traineeship, the industry, and the qualifications.
Suppose you are interested in starting a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship. In that case, it's essential to speak to your school's relevant teacher, career advisor, or career counsellor as soon as possible to determine the opportunities available in your district and how to access them.
What is the difference between an apprenticeship and traineeship?
Apprenticeships are trade-oriented and generally longer than traineeships, for example an Electrical apprenticeship normally takes four years to complete, compared to a Business Support Officer Traineeship which could take 12-24 months. Apprenticeships often lead to higher-level certificates in trades, while traineeships cover a broader range of industries and offer more flexibility in job roles.
What qualifications are available?
More than 500 occupations offer apprenticeship and traineeship pathways, ranging from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma levels, including traditional trades and many emerging occupations in most other business and industry sectors.
The Australian Apprenticeships Priority List identifies trade, community and personal services occupations experiencing a national skills shortage.
If you want to access the most up-to-date Australian Priority List, see below:
Australian Apprenticeships Priority List For commencements from 23 April 2024
Check out the complete list of apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications available in your state or territory below:
Who is eligible?
You can undertake an Australian Apprenticeship as a school leaver, if you're re-entering the workforce or if you are an adult simply looking at a career change. You may elect to study full-time or part-time, earning and learning as you go.
Contact us on 1300 363 831 to learn more about starting an apprenticeship or traineeship.
How much will I get paid?
Australian Apprentices are entitled to receive wages and conditions under an appropriate award, approved enterprise agreement, or national minimum wage and National Employment Standards.
Find out more about how much apprentices get paid.
Who pays for training?
Training fees will depend on the training organisation you are enrolled with. The payment of your training fees depends on the Industrial Award under which you are paid and your employment agreement.
You will also receive a lot of training and coaching on the job from your employer and other experienced staff.
Speak to your employer and training organisation or Apprenticeship Support Australia to find out more.
Where will I study?
All apprentices and trainees are required to attend and complete a formal qualification training component with a public or private Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
It’s important to discuss your training options with Apprenticeship Support Australia, your employer and potential training providers, as different methods of training will suit different types of apprenticeship or traineeship roles. Options include:
- Classroom-based training
- Flexibly delivered training such as online or internet training tools, combined with instruction delivered using face-to-face, video link or teleconferencing methods.
- Work-based training allowing you to develop the knowledge and skills required as part of normal work with your employer, with guidance and support provided by the training organisation.
How do I start an apprenticeship?
Here's an easy-to-follow, five-step process to find and land the right apprenticeship:
1. Find the most suitable apprenticeship or traineeship for you
It’s very important to choose a career pathway that matches your abilities, interests and ambitions. When you work in a job that matches your “natural style” you will have an easier time achieving results and more job satisfaction.
To help you find the best career match, head to our free career advice portal Skillsroad.com.au to start mapping your career journey:
2. Get your paperwork ready
Make sure your resume is ready and up to date. Regardless of which apprenticeship or traineeship you are looking for, you'll need a resume to present to potential employers.
If you need help making a professional-looking resume, go to our partner Skillsroad to find free resume templates to choose from.
Consider whether your other paperwork is updated and relevant to the industry you're looking to get into. For example, you might need a driver's license, working with children check or a white card.
3. Start applying
Once armed with your professional resume, it's time to show initiative by approaching potential employers. Call local businesses to ask if they have any vacancies. Look on the Skillsroad Jobs Board for current positions, browse online job platforms and use your networks of family and friends to let them know what you are looking for; you never know where a conversation can lead.
4. Keep going
Perseverance is a big part of the job hunt process. Be prepared to follow up on your leads. This means calling back employers who promise to get back to you but haven't and reminding them you are keen to start work. Most people will admire your persistence and may be impressed enough to give you a go.
5. Get support
Beginning an apprenticeship or traineeship and entering the workforce for the first time can be daunting, regardless of your age or previous experience. There’s often a lot to get your head around.
The Apprenticeship Support Australia team will offer ongoing tailored support and assistance to ensure your journey runs smoothly. We can provide:
- Eligibility advice if funding is applicable.
- Assistance with any training-related issues through our Mentoring and Advisory Service.
- Templates and guides to successfully commencing and completing your apprenticeship or traineeship.
- Access to our innovative online apprentice and trainee coaching and mentoring program, including videos, webinars, and other useful resources.
Once you've found a job, Apprenticeship Support Australia will visit you and your new employer at your workplace to complete the sign-up. We will also help to find an appropriate training provider to deliver the training.
Contact us to get expert guidance on becoming an apprentice or trainee.