Apprenticeship glossary: Key terms and definitions

Confused by apprenticeship jargon? Our glossary explains 16 common terms to help employers, apprentices and trainees navigate the system with confidence.

If you’re new to apprenticeships or traineeships, the language can be confusing. Employers and apprentices often come across acronyms and terms that aren’t part of everyday conversations.

That’s why we’ve put together this glossary of 16 commonly used apprenticeship terms. Whether you’re an employer, an apprentice, or just curious about how the system works, this guide will help you navigate the jargon with confidence.

	What it stands for	What it means
AAPL	Australian Apprenticeships Priority List	The priority list identifies jobs that the Federal Government says are in shortage. It also includes qualifications eligible for Apprenticeship Support Payments.
ADMS	Apprenticeship Data Management System	ADMS is a secure online system where employers and apprentices can manage apprenticeships, apply for payments, and check how their claims are going.
GTO	Group Training Organisation	Group Training Organisations hire apprentices and trainees, then place them with host employers. They provide ongoing support to workers and employers.
LAFHA	Living Away from Home Allowance	Money paid to employees to help cover extra costs when they must live away from home for work.
Qualification	A nationally approved set of training units	A set of nationally approved training units that help people learn the skills needed for jobs in different industries.
RPL	Recognition of Prior Learning	A way of verifying someone’s knowledge, skills and previous experience to see if they meet the requirements for a qualification.
RTO	Registered Training Organisation	Organisations approved by ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) to deliver training, run assessments and provide nationally recognised qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
SBAT	School-based Apprentice/Trainee	School-based apprenticeships and traineeships allow high school students, usually in Years 11 and 12, work part-time as paid employees while finishing school. At the same time, they train with a registered training organisation chosen by them and their employer.
STA	State Training Authority	State Training Authorities are government departments in each State or Territory that run the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system in their area.
Training Contract	A legal agreement between employer and apprentice	The National Training Contract is a legal agreement between an apprentice and their employer that explains the rights and responsibilities of both sides.
AASL	Australian Apprentice Support Loan	Australian Apprentice Support Loans are interest free loans paid monthly throughout an apprenticeship. They help apprentices cover everyday costs while they finish their training.
USI	Unique Student Identifier	A USI is a unique number made of letters and numbers that creates a secure online record of a student’s nationally recognised training and results.
VET	Vocational Education and Training	Vocational Education and Training (VET) works with industry and government to give people the skills and knowledge they need to improve their careers now and in the future.
Off the job training	Classroom or training centre learning	Off-the-job training is when apprentices learn new skills and knowledge outside of the workplace, usually in a classroom or training centre.
On the job training	Learning practical skills at work	On-the-job training is when apprentices learn practical skills by working directly at their job.
ITC	Industry Training Consultant	An industry training consultant helps businesses create training programs for their employees. They work with employers to make sure workers have the right skills and meet industry standards.

Apprenticeships and traineeships can be one of the best ways to build a skilled workforce and create new career opportunities. By understanding the terminology, both employers and apprentices can feel confident about the process and make the most of the support available.

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