Sign up an apprentice or trainee
Get help signing up an apprentice or trainee and accessing government funding and incentives.
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Benefits of hiring an apprentice or trainee
Apprentices and trainees bring practical skills, formal learning and fresh ideas to your workplace. Including apprentices and trainees in your hiring strategy enables you to:
- Bring new skills and ideas to your business
- Prevent skills shortages and future-proof your business
- Access funding, incentives and rebates
- Tailor training to suit your business needs
- Foster a culture of success
With over 500 apprenticeship and traineeship options available from traditional trades, engineering and manufacturing to media, tourism, retail and financial services, there's a solution to meet every business need.
Steps to hiring an apprentice
Hiring an apprentice or trainee is easier than you might think. We’re here to help you through each step.
Think about the skills your business needs. We can help you choose the right apprenticeship for your business and explain funding and incentives available to you.
We can help you find the right apprentice, whether you’re hiring new staff or training an existing employee. We can:
- Connect you with Group Training Organisations (GTOs) that employ and place apprentices or trainees with host businesses
- Connect you with students through teachers, career advisers and VET coordinators
- Help you access candidates through Workforce Australia
Every apprenticeship and traineeship needs an approved Training Contract and Training Plan. These legal documents outline the training, qualification and responsibilities of everyone involved.
As your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider, we’ll:
- Guide you through the sign-up process
- Complete and lodge paperwork with the State Training Authority
- Help you choose a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to deliver training and help you develop a Training Plan
Once approved, the apprenticeship can officially begin.
Clear expectations, regular feedback and a positive workplace can help your apprentice succeed.
As an employer, you need to provide:
- A qualified supervisor to support and guide your apprentice
- On-the-job learning that aligns with their training and qualification
- Time to complete formal training and assessments
- Regular feedback and opportunities to learn
We’re here to support you throughout the apprenticeship journey. You can also download the Fair Work Ombudsman's guide to taking on an apprentice and complete our free Apprentice Supervisor Training course.
Apprenticeship funding for employers
The Australian Government is committed to supporting the development of skilled labour across the country and provides a range of financial incentives and benefits to employers and Australian Apprentices. This can include incentives for hiring Priority Occupations and additional bonuses depending on your state or territory.
Priority occupations
The Australian government has developed 'The Australian Apprenticeships Priority List', identifying occupations experiencing a national skills shortage. By employing an apprentice or trainee in one of these priority areas, your business addresses critical skills gaps and may also qualify for additional government incentives and funding.
Understanding the types of apprenticeships and traineeships
Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship is the government's collective term for apprenticeships. Apprenticeships offer flexible options for different industries and workforce needs and provide nationally recognised qualifications from Certificate I to Advanced Diplomas. But what is the difference between an apprenticeship, traineeship and a school-based apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a structured program combining practical experience in your business with formal training, primarily for trade industries and available to anyone of working age.
- Apprenticeships typically last three to four years.
- Training is delivered either on-site at your workplace or off-site through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
- Programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of your business.
Traineeships provide structured training to equip employees with industry-specific skills and education. Open to people of all ages, traineeships cater to a wide range of industries, often in vocational or office-based roles.
- Traineeships generally last between nine months and four years.
- Covers diverse fields such as administration, customer service and IT.
- Enables businesses to develop employees with a targeted skill set.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships offer students aged 15 and over the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience while earning a nationally recognised qualification. Students work part-time in your business and study with an RTO while completing secondary school. Benefits for your business include:
- Recruiting keen young talent before they graduate.
- Meeting your current and future business needs.
- Introducing students to your industry and developing them through part-time training.
Apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications in your state
Each state offers a unique range of apprenticeships and traineeships tailored to local industries and economic priorities. In addition to the Australian Apprentices Priority List, click on your state or territory below to explore the complete list of apprenticeships and traineeships available.
Frequently asked questions
ASA supports employers and apprentices throughout the apprenticeship journey. We help set up and manage apprenticeships, explain any available financial support, conduct required assessments and check in regularly on progress. We can also provide additional support, including mentoring, where appropriate.
There is no single cost for hiring an apprentice. What you pay depends on factors such as the apprentice's age, qualification, applicable award and employment arrangement. Costs generally include wages, superannuation, leave entitlements, training expenses and supervision. Employers should check current pay rates and conditions with Fair Work, or contact Apprentieship Support Australia for assistance.
No. You don’t need previous experience hiring apprentices. You will, however, need to provide meaningful work, appropriate supervision and support to help your apprentice develop the skills required for their qualification.
Once you’ve found a suitable candidate, an apprenticeship can often be set up within a few days. The exact timeframe will depend on factors such as the qualification, training provider and any state or territory requirements.
Your main responsibility is to provide a safe and supportive workplace where your apprentice can develop their skills. This includes providing suitable work and supervision, paying the correct wages and entitlements, allowing time for training and working with their training provider to support their progress.
Your business is generally ready for an apprentice if you can provide ongoing work, appropriate supervision, a safe workplace and opportunities to learn skills relevant to the qualification. To assess your readiness, complete our RecruitReady Diagnostic or contact us to discuss your options.
Yes. ASA provides support services to employers and apprentices at no cost. We are contracted by the Australian Government to deliver these services, which is why there is no fee for accessing our support.
As an employer in Australia, your core legal obligations include paying at least the minimum wage, providing a safe workplace, meeting tax and superannuation requirements, keeping proper records, and complying with workplace and training contract laws.
Get started today
Thinking about hiring an apprentice or trainee? We’ll walk you through the hiring process, help you access funding, and support you in building a skilled workforce.