Become skilled in a trade or job by learning under people who know the ropes. An apprenticeship or traineeship is your way of getting qualified – and you’ll be paid a wage while you’re learning.

Benefits of an apprenticeship or traineeship

Apprenticeships and traineeships are ways to become trained and qualified in a trade or particular type of job. They offer benefits, including:

  • the ability to work and earn money while you’re getting your qualification
  • a nationally recognised qualification on completion of training
  • a mix of classroom or workshop learning (off-job) and practical (on-job) learning
  • real life experience in the workplace.

Apprenticeships and traineeships can be full-time, part-time or school-based (done while you’re at school).

View our videos of successful apprentices and trainees

How an apprenticeship works

An apprenticeship is the time spent learning a skilled trade under a qualified tradesperson. There are hundreds of types of trade – from hairdresser to mechanic, electrician to chef, plumber to cabinet maker.

You can start the process of becoming an apprentice at any time:

  • if you’re at school
  • if you’re just out of school
  • if you’re already working
  • if you’re unemployed.

As an apprentice, you and an employer have a formal agreement called a training contract. This lasts for the length of your training which, for most apprenticeships, is four years.

You’ll learn on the job (on-job) under your supervisor at their place of work, as well as in classroom environments (off-job) at a training provider.

You’ll study towards a nationally recognised qualification and obtain a trade certificate when you finish.

The government and your employer may subsidise your off-job training component, meaning you pay little or nothing towards course fees.

How a traineeship works

A traineeship is the time spent learning a job (or vocation) under a supervisor. You can do a traineeship in just about any workplace, for example in a shop, a fast food outlet or office.

After finishing your traineeship you will gain a minimum qualification at a Certificate II level.

You can start the process of becoming a trainee at any time:

  • if you’re at school
  • if you’re just out of school
  • if you’re already working
  • if you’re unemployed.

As a trainee, you and an employer have a formal agreement called a training contract for the length of your training.

Traineeships last for a year or more.

You will learn on the job (on-job) under your supervisor at your place of work, as well as in classroom environments (off-job) at a training provider where you will complete your nationally recognised qualification.

In some instances, training may be completely undertaken in your workplace.

The government and your employer may subsidise your off-job training component, meaning you pay little or nothing towards course fees.

Ready to go? Visit where to start.