Apprenticeships and Traineeships

An apprentice/traineeship is generally completed under contract with an employer or group training organisation. This allows you to learn all aspects of an occupation. Most of the training is done with the employer, but some off-the-job training in skills and competencies is undertaken part-time at a TAFE college or through a registered private training provider.

To start an apprenticeship/traineeship you must first find either an employer or a group training company willing to employ you.

Apprentices/Trainees employed by a group training company are “leased” to several employers on a rotational basis to receive the required on-the-job training and experience. This enables the participation of small employers who could not employ an apprentice full-time. It also gives apprentices a wider range of experience.

Finding an Apprenticeship/Traineeship

There are several ways to find an individual employer or group training company:

• Check newspapers for advertisements in the employment sections;

• Contact the Department of Training and Workforce development;

• Contact the Career Centre for advice and support;

• For information on apprenticeships in the Defence Forces, or contact the Defence Force Recruiting Centre;

• Contact employer groups and associations that may be of assistance;

• Write or telephone direct to suitable companies. You could make a list from entries in the Yellow Pages or a local business directory; and

• Contact your local Job Link.

Educational Requirements

As a minimum, employers prefer applicants who have completed Year 10 or its equivalent. Apprenticeships are highly competitive so it is becoming more common for successful applicants to have successfully completed Year 11, Year 12, or a pre-apprenticeship course. Employers may also specify certain Courses they want you to have passed.Check with your local TAFE campus about entry requirements for specific apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship courses.

Training Agreement

Apprentices/Trainees and employers sign a written contract called a Training Agreement. The agreement requires the employer to provide on-the-job training and allow time for off-the-job training. In return, the apprentice works for the employer for a specified period. The terms of the agreement cannot be broken without the consent of the State Training Authority. The first three months form what is known as the probation period. This enables the apprentice and the employer to assess whether each will be satisfied in the coming years of the apprenticeship. During this time, either the employer or the apprentice may terminate the agreement by giving the appropriate amount of notice in accordance with the award or employment agreement.

Training and Assessment

It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure that the apprentice receives balanced and organised on-the-job training in the required skills. The employer is also required to complete on-the-job assessments of the apprentice’s/trainee’s skills on a continuing basis. Off-the-job training can be either on a day-release basis or in blocks of one week or more spaced at intervals during the year. Country apprentices can take correspondence courses, use a computer package or workbook or receive the training in some other way. Time spent in off-the-job training counts as part of the term of the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship/Traineeship