What is an apprenticeship?
Australian Apprenticeships are a great way to gain a nationally recognised qualification while earning a wage working on the job!
There are more than 500 occupations that offer apprenticeships, ranging from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma levels, including traditional trades and a number of emerging occupations in most other sectors of business and industry.
Australian Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age and do not require any entry qualifications. Apprenticeships are available to school-leavers, those re-entering the workforce or those wishing to change careers.
What’s the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?
An apprenticeship is a structured training arrangement which usually lasts 3.5 or four years. The training combines practical experience at work with complementary off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
On successful completion you are issued with a nationally-recognised qualification and the on-the-job skills which are highly regarded by many employers.
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 are available for people of all ages and usually last between 1-2 years (but can last longer), depending on the vocation and certificate level undertaken.
Why should I do an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships offer a range of benefits, including:
- Involve paid work and structured training that can be on or off the job; or a combination of both
- Allow for "competency-based" training which means individuals can complete their training faster when they reach the required skills level
- Enable existing skills and prior experience to be recognised with some course credit granted, potentially reducing formal training time
- Are available as full-time or part-time, also as part-time while still attending secondary school
- Lead to nationally recognised qualifications and skills which provide the basis for further education and training over the course of a person’s working life
- Can be a great pathway from school to work to pursue your career choice