What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a way in which you combine employment and training in order to gain a nationally recognised qualification. You are actually PAID TO LEARN new skills! Apprenticeships are usually full time but can also be part time or school based, and will provide you with knowledge and experience in your chosen career. There are more than 700 occupations across Australia that can be undertaken as part of an apprenticeship or traineeship.

You are led by an expert tradesperson who can teach you the practical side of the career which is accompanied by formal training delivered by a registered training organisation (RTO). This training can be delivered on-the-job, off-the-job or be a combination of both.

When you complete your apprenticeship after three or four years (for full time apprentices), you are awarded with a Certificate of Proficiency or Trade Certificate from the Department of Education and Training and are deemed a qualified tradesperson in your industry.

There are no formal qualifications needed in order to commence an apprenticeship which means they are perfect for school leavers, people re-entering the workforce, updating their skills or for people simply wishing to change careers. If this is the case, existing skills and prior experience can be recognised and course credit granted, potentially reducing the formal training required.