What's an Apprenticeship / Traineeship?

Apprenticeships and traineeships (also known as Australian Apprenticeships) provide eligible existing employees with relevant skills, knowledge and hands on experience through structured workplace (on-the-job and off-the-job) training. They are increasingly being used by employees to upgrade their qualification levels in order to compete in today's competitive employment market.

Unlike full-time university or college, apprenticeship and traineeship training is undertaken both in the workplace and off-the-job, providing practical hands-on experience and a qualification while continuing to receve a wage.

Apprenticeships and traineeships provide you with:

• Upgraded skills and knowledge to meet the changing demands of today's multi-skilled work environment.
• A nationally recognised qualification (without a debt), which you can use anywhere in Australia and in many cases overseas
• Training specifically designed by your industry for your industry, making it relevant to your job
• The opportunity to take on greater work responsibilities, which could lead onto higher paying positions
• A choice from over 600 different qualifications suiting most industries needs
• The chance to further your career or progress on to University
• Flexible training that suites your learning needs, including training delivered on-the-job, off-the-job, or a combination of both
• The skills to increase your job performance, satisfaction and motivation

What is the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?

A full-time apprenticeship will usually take you three to four years to complete and is traditionally referred to as ‘Trade' qualification, while a full-time traineeship will usually take you between one to three years to complete and generally covers all other non-trade qualifications.

A part-time apprenticeship and traineeship will normally take you twice as long to complete as the full-time equivalent.

The good news is that apprenticeships and traineeships are now competency based, which means that the faster you can learn and apply your new skills, the sooner you can gain your qualification.

Examples of apprenticeship and traineeship occupations include: