Apprenticeship Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships and traineeships are a great way to learn while you're working. You learn how to do a specific job or trade in a real workplace while studying at a TAFE or other training provider.

What areas are they offered in?

Apprenticeships and traineeships are established across 50 industries. Most people know about the common jobs like carpentry, plumbing, automotive mechanic and electrician. But there are thousands of other jobs that can be an Australian Apprenticeship.

Click https://www.aapathways.com.au/complex-search for a list of all the options.

How do I get an apprenticeship?

Find an apprenticeship with an employer. (MEGT and Sarina Russo can help with this – details at the bottom of the page)
Apply for the apprenticeship (the same way you would apply for a job).
You and your employer find a TAFE or training provider that offers the relevant course.
Your employer registers you with an approved Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP) and an ANP representative then organises a training contract between you and your employer.
ANP registers your training contract on the apprenticeship database (called DELTA) and you’re given a unique student number (this may take up to 4 weeks).
Once your training provider has received your number, they consult with you and your employer to develop a training plan. Once you've developed and signed the training plan, you can start your training.

Will I get paid during my apprenticeship?

Yes. You earn a wage while you train, and you can do one part-time or full-time. You may even be eligible for financial assistance from the government while you're training.

This website tells you about how much you will earn while you are training.

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/minimum-wages/apprentice-and-trainee-pay-rates

What will I get from doing an apprenticeship?

Completing an apprenticeship or traineeship gives you a nationally recognised qualification. You can use your qualification to start your career or to do more training. An apprenticeship or traineeship can also lead to self-employment opportunities.

What is a pre-apprenticeship course, and do I need to do one before applying for an apprenticeship?

You do not need to do one to get an apprenticeship, but it can make it easier.

A pre-apprenticeship can take from 12 to 20 weeks and involves doing a Certificate II qualification with a training provider. You also usually have to do a practical placement or some structured workplace learning with an employer.

Most pre-apprenticeships link to a trade qualification, such as electrical, plumbing, automotive, or fitting and turning.

Most TAFEs offer these and can be found through a simple Google search.

Do I need to finish Year 12 (VCE or VCAL) first?

No. It can be useful though and you may end up earning more.

What is the Australian Apprentice Support Network?

The Australian Apprentice Support Network (AASN) is your first point of contact for all queries about apprenticeships.

https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/search-aasn

The Australian Government contracts seven Apprenticeship Network providers to deliver support services nationally through more than 480 field officers and 137 physical locations (shopfronts).

You cannot start an Australian Apprenticeship without an Apprenticeship Network provider.

Apprenticeship Network providers give personalised advice and support services from pre-commencement to completion. Apprenticeship Network providers offer the following support services:

Universal services:
- essential administrative support
- payment processing
- regular contact
Targeted services for individuals who need extra support to complete their apprenticeship.

Useful contacts

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways

https://www.aapathways.com.au/

MEGT

https://www.megt.com.au/

Sarino Russo Apprenticeships

http://srajobs.sarinarusso.com/

References:

https://www.skills.vic.gov.au/victorianskillsgateway/Explore/Pages/apprenticeship.aspx

https://www.aapathways.com.au/

VTAC Applications

Year 12 students