Eligibility
To become an apprentice or trainee you need to be at least 15 years of age or older, unless you have written evidence of special dispensation granted by a school principal.
In regards to age, there is no maximum working age limit for undertaking apprenticeship or traineeship, with an increasing number of mature age workers now choosing to upgrade their skills and knowledge through an apprenticeship or traineeship qualification.
Some apprenticeships and traineeships require a minimum standard of education, which can vary between different training programmes. If you don't meet these minimum standards, you may still be allowed to enter into the apprenticeship or traineeship following an assessment by the Queensland Department of Employment and Training (DETA).
Australian Government Requirements
To be eligible to start an apprenticeship or traineeship and receive Australian Government funding you must either be:
- An Australian citizen or
- A permanent resident or
- New Zealand passport holder who has been a resident in Australia for at least 6 months
- And employed on either a full-time, part-time or Australian School-based basis (not available to casual employees).
Prior Qualifications
Generally if you have a prior qualification at Certificate level III or higher you are ineligible to attract Government incentives unless:
- You completed a Certificate Level II to IV qualification, more than 7 years ago. The apprenticeship or traineeship must be in a different or higher level qualification or
- You commenced an Certificate Level II to IV qualification over 7 years ago but did not complete the apprenticeship or traineeship or
- You completed a Certificate Level II to IV qualification which was commenced whilst you were still at school or you undertook within 2 years of completing your schooling through a pathway other than an apprenticeship or traineeship. The apprenticeship or traineeship must be in a different or higher level qualification.
Currently Studying
If you are currently studying, the apprenticeship or traineeship cannot be from a similar field to that which you are studying.
Existing Employee
As an existing employee you may be eligible to attract Australian Government Incentives if the qualification has a minimum 24 month full-time nominal duration at either Certificate Level III or IV and you meet the above prior qualifications guidelines.
Queensland Government Requirements
In addition to the above eligibility criteria, the Queensland Government will also register apprentices and trainees who are:
- On Temporary Protection Visa or
- Fiancés of, or recently married to, an Australian citizen and are holders of Temporary Residency Visas under subclass 820 and 309 (Please note: Australian Government funding is not available for these two categories).
- An Apprentice or Trainee that meets the Queensland Government eligibility guidelines, but does not meet the Australian Government guidelines can still undertake an Apprenticeship or Traineeship, though they will not be eligible for Australian Government incentives.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information as at the effect date. Eligibility criteria apply to all incentives and allowances. For the latest information, please contact Queensland Apprenticeship Services on 1300 360 955.