What are apprenticeships and traineeships?

Apprenticeships and traineeships offer the ability to ‘learn and earn’ from day one. They combine training and paid employment, leading to skills and qualifications that are recognised across Australia and by other employers in the industry. Apprenticeships and traineeships can be full-time, part-time or school-based and are available to anyone of working age. You can be a school student, a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or simply wishing to change careers. Apprenticeships and traineeships are available in a variety of certificate levels in more than 500 occupations across Australia, in traditional trades, as well as a diverse range of emerging careers in most sectors of business and industry.

Apprenticeships generally last four years and cover traditional trade areas such as: building and construction; hairdressing; cooking; electrical; automotive; engineering and manufacturing etc. Traineeships generally cover a much wider range of occupations than apprenticeships; however the training is usually shorter, lasting between one and two years. A number of higher level qualification traineeships have now been introduced which take longer to complete. Both apprenticeships and traineeships are easily linked to further vocational education and university studies.

The Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship Information Service has a great listing of Nation-wide and State Career Services available to Apprentices and Trainees.

If you would like to test your knowledge in a certain apprenticeship/traineeship area you could try one of the Practice Aptitude Quizzes.

To find your nearest Apprenticeship Employer

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