Difference between Apprenticeship & Traineeship

What’s the Difference between an Apprenticeship and Traineeship?  Which one should a student apply for?  Both apprenticeships and traineeships offer a structured pathway into a career of choice. However, there are three key differences – range of occupations, completion time and legal requirements. 

The Three Key Differences

As indicated above, there are three key differences between apprenticeships and traineeships.  Each of these should be carefully considered when deciding which is the right option.    

Range of Occupations

While traineeships are available on a broad range of occupations, apprenticeships are offered on skilled trades only.  For example, you can complete a traineeship in a diverse set of fields including:

• Business (e.g., business administration, marketing, accounting)
• Technology (e.g., information technology, telecommunications, digital media)
• Trades (e.g., plant operator, warehouse operation, hairdressing).

Apprenticeships are also offered across a broad range of industries, including:

• Building and construction (e.g., carpentry, bricklaying)
• Electrical (e.g., electrician, electrical fitter)
• Engineering fabrication (i.e., boiler maker/ welder)
• Engineering manufacturing (i.e., fitter and turner)
• Horticulture (e.g., parks and gardens)
• Plumbing (e.g., plumbing and gas fitting or drainage).

Completion Time

Apprenticeships are a full-time commitment and are awarded after a fixed period of time.  For example, an Electrical Apprenticeship will generally take four years, however this can be shortened by up to 6 months, depending on circumstances. Traineeships can be full-time or part-time.  Because traineeships are competency-based, completion is dependent on achieving and demonstrating a level of competency in all the required modules.  In general, a traineeship is usually completed within one to two years, but it may take more or less time depending on the role, employee and number of hours worked.  On the other hand, apprenticeships are awarded after a set timeframe, which for most trades, is four years.

Legal Requirements

When a student signs up for an apprenticeship, the level of commitment made by both them and their employer is different to a traineeship. As an apprentice, upon signing the contract, their employer is committing to employ the student for the full term of their apprenticeship – and if they sell the business while the apprentice is working towards completion, the new owner must continue with the training contract.  After the probationary period is up (usually 90 days) the contract can be cancelled, but all parties (apprentice and employer) must agree.

As a trainee, the employer must keep the trainee on for the term of their traineeship, however, either party can cancel the contract before it’s complete (mutual agreement is not needed).  In addition, if the business is sold, the new owners are not obliged to continue your employment.

Understand the Differences Before You Commit

Both apprenticeships and traineeships provide a fantastic way to learn on the job – and as an added bonus, one gets paid for it too!  So, when weighing up the two, it is important to consider the field one wishes to pursue, how long they are ready to commit to it, and what the legal implications are. Find out more at NECA Education - Apprenticeships and Traineeships.