What is an Apprenticeship or Traineeship?

The Australian Apprenticeships and Taineeships system has many invaluable opportunities and is designed to be flexible. Unfortunately this can sometimes result in it being complex, due to the range of qualifications and modes of completion that are on offer.

An Australian Apprenticeship, commonly known as an apprenticeship or traineeship, is a learning pathway that combines paid on-the-job training and formal study with a Registered Training Organisation. It’s a great way to gain a nationally recognised qualification. Earn while you learn! As an apprentice or trainee you will finish your higher-learning journey equipped with practical skills AND a formal education. This powerful combination of theoretical and hands-on experience is prized by employers across many industries and professions. Did you know the Australian Government may even provide you with funding and other benefits to assist with the costs incurred whilst you are undertaking your training?

The Jobs and Skills Centre provide a comprehensive explanation of Apprenticeships and Traineeships.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?

Apprenticeships are usually longer in duration than Traineeships. At the end of an apprenticeship, apprentices become qualified tradespeople. Apprenticeships typically cover more traditional skilled trade areas such as :

Engineering and metal fabrication
Automotive and mechanical
Construction, building and electrical specialisations
Hairdressing
Landscaping
Hospitality and Cookery

Traineeships are shorter in duration and offer a broader range of vocational and occupational choices such as multimedia, information technology, fitness, music, aged care and business.

What Traineeships and Apprenticeships are available?

A comprehensive list of available traineeship qualifications in WA is located here .

A comprehensive list of available apprenticeship qualifications in WA is located here.

How Do I get an Apprenticeship or Traineeship?

It is a similar process to finding any type of work. You need to:

Use your personal networks
Obtain experience in the field if possible (even if this is voluntary work)
Canvas employers for work with your resume and cover letter
Apply for advertised positions.

A Pre-apprenticeship is also a good way to find work as an apprentice. (see below)

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Providers are organisations contracted by the Australian Government to :

Register apprenticeships and traineeships with the state and federal government so that they are formally approved
Find training providers to deliver the required training
Help employers and apprentices find each other by providing job search sites specifically for traineeships and apprenticeships.

You need to make sure you check these sites regularly if you are serious about finding a traineeship or apprenticeship. You can search their job boards and register for alerts if possible.

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Apprenticeships and Traineeships can also be completed while attending school. A School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship is the ONLY way that students can be in paid employment while still at school. Essentially, it is no different to an apprenticeship or trainesship, with the exception that it would likely only be one or two days a week while the child attends school the rest of the week. Requirements to find an employerand contract of employment for a SBAT remain the same as a regular apprenticeship or traineeship. Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Providers (mentioned above) are available to help with this pathway.

Pre-Apprenticeships can be studied as part of senior school completion

Students can participate in pre-apprenticeships while still at school. This would involve them attending school 3 -4 days per week and then completing a pre-apprenticeship course with an organisation such as TAFE on the 4th or 5th day. Pre-apprenticeships and Pre-traineeships, along with other Vocational courses that can be studied while still at school are promoted through the VETDSS (Vocational Education and Training courses Delivered to Secondary Students) program.

What is a pre-apprenticeship?

A pre-apprenticeship is a Certificate II program that includes a work placement component (not paid work). You will get industry specific training, combined with hands-on experience in a real workplace, to gain valuable industry skills and knowledge that will prepare you for employment and make you more competitive when applying for jobs or if you choose to continue on to an apprenticeship or traineeship. It also gives you an opportunity to find out whether a particular industry or type of work is right for you.

An apprenticeship is a big commitment for an Employer to undertake in terms of time spent teaching, supervision and financial outlay. They need to be assured that you are going to stay with them for the duration of the apprenticeship and beyond. Employers looking to recruit apprentices and trainees look very favourably on people who have completed a pre-apprenticeship. This is because it is evidence that you :

Know about the industry and the type of work involved
Have demonstrated consistency and met attendance requirements to complete the pre-apprenticeship

The employer will receive "credit" toward the apprenticeship requirements, as you would have already completed some of the units of the apprenticeship course. Here is a list of Pre-Apprenticeships and pre-traineeships. These are mostly offered through South Metro TAFE, North Metro TAFE and some industry associations such as