What is an Apprenticeship / Traineeship?

Australian Apprenticeships and traineeships provide your staff with relevant hands on experience, skills and knowledge through structured (on-the-job and off-the-job) training. Unlike full-time university or college, apprentices and trainees are paid a wage while undertaking their qualification.

Apprenticeships and traineeships are a major form of entry level employment and training for job seekers in Australia. Increasingly, employers are upgrading their existing employee’s skills and qualification levels.

How your business can benefit from Australian Apprenticeships and traineeships:

• Choose your desired training provider, and provide input into how, where and when training is delivered.
• Improve your staff member's skills and knowledge. This can increase staff motivation, productivity, customer service, quality assurance, staff retention and your business’ overall competitiveness.
• You may receive Australian Government incentives of up to $4,000 or more, which can help cover training and development costs. * For information on incentives click here.
• Employee’s training costs maybe subsidised by the State Government. *
• You may be able to pay your new employees a reduced training wage while they are undertaking the apprenticeship/traineeship.^✝ 
• You may be entitled to Payroll Tax Exemptions for new employees. ^✝*
• Choose from over 600 qualifications, to suit the specific needs of your business.
• Receive training for staff that is designed specifically for your industry.
• Provide your employees with real career pathways in your business.

* Must meet eligibility criteria
^✝Available for new employees only

What is the difference between an apprenticeship and traineeship?

 A full-time Australian Apprenticeship (commonly referred to as a ‘Trade’) will usually take three to four years to complete, while a full-time traineeship will take one to three years and generally covers all other non-trade related qualifications. Part-time and Australian School-based Apprenticeships and traineeships normally take twice as long to complete as their full-time equivalent.

The good news is that apprenticeships and traineeships are now competency based. This means the faster your employee can learn and apply their new skills, the sooner they will become qualified.

Examples of apprenticeship and traineeship occupations include:

Apprenticeships

• Mechanic
• Hairdresser
• Chef
• Carpenter
• Brick layer

Traineeships

• Business Administration
• Salon Assistant
• Hospitality Staff
• Multimedia and IT
• Retail Assistant