We've explained what traineeships and apprenticeships are, and how to get yourself one, but what are the benefits of pursuing this kind of career pathway? Whether you want to pursue an opportunity for job satisfaction, career progression opportunities or better chances at finding secure employment in the Northern Territory, let’s have a look at what you can expect from a traineeship or apprenticeship.
Benefits
Income
While others may be going straight into the work-force without qualifications or continuing their studies with little financial income, a traineeship or apprenticeship lets you achieve both work experience and employment. The work experience component of traineeships and apprenticeships are always paid, meaning you enjoy financial security of having a steady income as you will be making money whilst you complete your training. In certain instances you may be able to cover your living expenses as well as increase savings or even begin investing, while others accrue potentially tens of thousands of dollars of student debt.
Qualifications that come with real experience
A big emphasis is placed on active learning throughout a trainee and apprenticeship, meaning that you will spend less time in a classroom studying ideas and concepts and more time gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of specialists in your chosen field. By the time you complete, you will have already faced some of the projects and problems that are common in your industry, in addition to having trained in areas that offer the most value for workers in that industry. A the end of the apprenticeship you will have a great qualification to go with all of that experience, providing more incentive for prospective employers to hire you.
Financial Support
If you are studying for a traineeship or apprenticeship this will mean that you are eligible for some financial support. One such support option is loan opportunities from Trade Support, designed for covering all your everyday costs whilst you train, which can be for as much as $20,808 if you’re eligible.There is also an allowance for ‘Living Away from Home’ if you cannot stay with your parents while completing your traineeship or apprenticeship.
Furthermore, The User Choice policy means that training is subsidised for RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) by State and Territory Governments. There’s also the ABSTUDY Youth Allowance that you may be entitled to from Centrelink.
Satisfaction
Undertaking paid employment while undertaking a traineeship or apprenticeship usually comes with a high level of personal satisfaction as you learn new skills, solve problems, work on projects and become a valuable team member to your employer. Employers value your contribution and you are often seen as a long-term investment, all whilst working in challenging and interesting areas. The National Centre for Vocational Education Research has suggested that more than 90% of apprentices achieve their primary reason for doing their training, with 89% doing so while being satisfied with the quality of their experience.
The End Result
Future Employment
Once you have completed your traineeship or apprenticeship you are much more likely to be able to find secure employment. Over 80% of trainees and apprentices are employed after their training finishes, with more than 92% for those in an apprenticeship in a trade occupation. This is comparable with only around 70% of graduates from universities (this figure is even as low as 53% in creative arts subjects).
Further Qualifications & Study
Many apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications provide a foundation for further development. More advanced certifications, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas are now options and allow you to progress further in your chosen field. After accruing the correct level of experience it is very possible to work towards a Bachelor’s degree or apply for management and senior positions. This is especially suitable for industries such as construction, build trades or business administration.
Self Employment
With an apprenticeship behind you, you can eventually start your own business and become a licensed sub-contractor or contractor, which is especially relevant to trades. Licensed contractors are responsible for all areas of their projects, from insurance to business development, but also are answerable only to themselves. Sub-contractors secure projects from contracting organisations, but the planning and implementation of a job is up to you. Self employment could mean that one day you might be able to take on your own apprentices!
