Apprenticeships and traineeships are both covered by the term 'Australian Apprenticeship'. These are different methods which an employer can use to recruit and train new employees.
Anybody who is of working age and has the right to work in Australia can undertake an Australian Apprenticeship, Moreover, no specific qualifications, certifications of educational achievements are required to apply for one.
When undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship, you can earn while you learn. They are available for many different professions (such as traditional trades) and several vocational education and training qualifications. Apprenticeships can be full-time, part-time or school-based.
You will be awarded a nationally-accepted qualification when you complete your Australian Apprenticeship, which will allow you to work in your profession throughout Australia. This qualification will also be recognised and valued in many international countries.
NATIONAL CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR AUSTRALIAN APPRENTICESHIPS
Who can do an Australian Apprenticeship?
The apprenticeships and traineeships are open to anybody who is of working age and has the right to work in Australia.
Secondary education certificates are not required to begin an apprenticeship or traineeship, nor are any other qualifications. Nonetheless, when recruiting new employees, employers may set their own requirements. For instance, they may require the candidate to be at least 11 or 12 years old to undertake a pre-apprenticeship before commencing the actual apprenticeship.
Students can start their Australian Apprenticeship whilst still at school. Apprenticeships/traineeships are also available to school leavers, career changes, individuals going back into work after time away and people wanting to learn new skills.
The eligibility criteria for enrolling in Australian apprenticeship or traineeship is as follows:
- Australian citizens
- Permanent Australian residents
- Holders of temporary working or resident visas permitted to stay in the country for the whole duration of the apprenticeship or traineeship
Before you begin the apprenticeship, you must be aware of your working status and current circumstances, and how these may impact your eligibility to partake in an apprenticeship.
Further information can be found by contacting an Apprenticeship Network provider.
The Advantages of Undertaking Apprenticeships/Traineeships
There are several advantages to undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship to pay the way for your future career, such as:
- You can earn money while you learn.
- You will learn the practical skills required to work in your desired profession/industry.
- You will undertake practical, on-the-job training. This may take place in a classroom, in the workplace, or both.
- You will receive a qualification that is recognised throughout the country, which provides you with a foundation upon which you can build your future career.
- You may be entitled to financial support and other benefits from the government, which can help you to fund the costs associated with your training.
- You can improve your current work skills.
- You will become more qualified, which ultimately improves your employee value.
You can also use your apprenticeship or traineeship to reach a higher level of qualification, such as specific vocational education and training qualifications, and even university degrees.
In Which Professions are Australian Apprenticeships Available?
There are fifty industries in which the apprenticeships and traineeships are available. As well as the most commonly associated professions, such as plumbing, carpentry, vehicle mechanics and electric work, Australian Apprenticeships are available for thousands of other fields of work.
Apprenticeships and traineeships can help you set a foundation to a career in many industries, including healthcare, community services, travel and tourism, financial services, communication and information technology, agriculture and horticulture, and government jobs.
Follow this link for more information about these professions. What jobs can be done as an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Students and job hunters can use this information to have important discussions with their parents, career advisors and other relevant parties. Therefore, it can help them make informed decisions about their future career paths.
You may also wish to look at the Industry Information resource since it contains important information about the different industries in which Australian Apprenticeships are available. It also provides information about industry growth, most common apprenticeship/traineeship jobs within the industry, and any job hunting advice relevant to specific industries.
SEARCH FOR AUSTRALIAN APPRENTICESHIP JOB AND TRAINING DESCRIPTIONS
It all starts with an employer
The Apprenticeship/Traineeship process begins with the employer advertising a vacancy or directly hiring a new employee. They may choose to hire a person already known to them, someone recommended to them, or someone who has contacted them regarding their employment opportunities.
Although there are apprenticeships and traineeships available in all industries, there must be an employment opportunity within the industry first. Follow the link below to read about the steps you should take to find apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies.
Who is involved?
Several parties will be involved in the apprenticeship or traineeship process. Some such parties who may be involved include:
- Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers
- Registered Training Organisations
- Group Training Organisations
- Employers
- Schools
- Fair Work Ombudsman
- State and Territory Training Authorities
