Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to study and earn an income while undertaking a qualification and can be undertaken full-time, part-time, or while participants are at school. Usually 3 to 4 years in duration, apprenticeships enable apprentices to work towards gaining a trade qualification such as plumbing, carpentry, or electrical. This is a structured program with a combination of on-the-job training in the workplace and off-the-job training (often as block release) at a TAFE or another Registered Training Organisation.

Traineeships can be either a full-time or part-time employment based training arrangement, where trainees can earn a wage and learn while they complete their qualification. Usually 1 to 2 years in duration, traineeships are generally offered in a non-trade related area, such as aged care, allied health assistance, business, disability work, early childhood education, retail, fitness, travel, or hospitality. In a traineeship participants also gain hands-on skills and work experience, and improve employment prospects, while earning a wage.

Both traineeships and apprenticeships enable participants to gain a nationally recognised qualification which can lead to rewarding career options.

A full time apprenticeship or traineeship can take anywhere from one to four years to complete. This is dependent on the type of apprenticeship or traineeship and the specific qualification and qualification level, which can be from certificate II through to advanced diploma.

Apprenticeships and traineeships are ‘competency based’ meaning you may be able to complete your training sooner if you gain the required skill levels more quickly than usual. You may also be eligible for course credits for prior workplace experience or skills you already have, potentially reducing your formal training time.

The amount earned as an apprentice or a trainee is a negotiation between employer and employee, based on your industry and business. There is a minimum wage condition for employers and employees across Australia. You can view these at www.fairwork.gov.au or call Fair Work 13 13 94.

 A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is a provider and assessor of nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET). The regulation that applies to RTOs ensures qualifications or statements of attainment that are recognised and accepted by industry and other educational institutions throughout Australia.

Find out more: What is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)?

The Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) is your first point of contact for queries about how an apprenticeship or traineeship works, and how to set up one at your workplace.

The Australian Government contracts a number of Apprenticeship Network providers to deliver support services nationally. Apprenticeship Network providers deliver personalised advice and support services from pre-commencement to completion. You may choose the Apprenticeship Network provider that you wish to work with, but you cannot commence an apprenticeship or traineeship without being formally connected to an Apprenticeship Network provider.

Apprenticeship Network providers deliver free information, advice and support. Find out more here: www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/about-aasn

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers can provide a list of registered training organisations offering your required qualification. When choosing a training provider, it is important to consider the following points.

• How much input an employer and apprentice/trainee have into the course?
• Where the training will take place and when it will be accessed?
• How often will your provider visit you both at work and provide feedback?
• What other assistance can they provide?
• How are they funded?

Whether you are an employer keen to hire for your business, or an individual wanting to start as an apprentice or trainee, an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) is your first point of contact. They will help you find the right qualification and the right Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to suit your requirements. There are over 600 qualifications to choose from.

An apprenticeship or traineeship can be considered for completion once the employee, employer, and Registered Training Organisation (RTO) all agree the requirements of an employee's training plan have been met.

The time it takes to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship may vary, depending on the industry requirements, competence and skills, the ability of the employer to provide work experience in the range of competencies required, and the ability of the RTO to provide flexible training programs.

As an apprentice or trainee you can: earn an income while you study, gain hands-on work experience and skills, acquire a nationally recognised qualification, and have no HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP debt. Find out more: What are the benefits of apprenticeships and traineeships?

As an employer, employing an apprentice or trainee is a smart investment in the future of your business. Investing in training through an Australian Apprenticeship can provide your business with real benefits and contribute to your bottom line. Often your apprentice or trainee will receive additional external support to complete their training, making an apprenticeship or traineeship a cost-effective way of training staff. Find out more: Benefits of hiring an apprentice or trainee

If you recommence an apprenticeship or traineeship (the same as your previous qualification), generally you will receive credit for previous service. If eligible credit is applied to, and may reduce, the nominal term of the apprenticeship or traineeship. The State Training Authority (STA) will determine the appropriate amount of 'time' credit applicable.

As an apprentice and trainee you may be eligible for financial assistance through:

• Support for Adult Australian Apprentices
• Living Away From Home Allowance
• Youth Allowance, Austudy, or ABSTUDY.

Speak to an Australian Apprentice Support Network (AASN) provider for current information on the financial assistance or incentives that may be available. Find out more here: What is an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN)?

Employers are likely to look for individuals who have the right attitude. This may include:

• a positive attitude to work, punctuality, and flexibility
• the ability to cope with setbacks and criticism, motivation to overcome obstacles, and the ability to stay calm under pressure
• good verbal communication skills, with the ability to ask questions
• no bad behaviour (no mucking around) or leaving early
• the ability to use initiative (get things done and take responsibility)
• a willingness to listen and learn; how much you learn is up to you (what you put in you get back)

Find out more here: Steps to gain an Apprenticeship or Traineeship

There are laws in place to protect and support apprentices and trainees in the workplace.

Apprentices and trainees receive the same entitlements as other employees, for example. annual leave, sick leave, public holidays and breaks, where individuals work under an award or agreement specific to their trade.

As an apprentice, individuals are released from work to attend training. Apprentices and trainees are also provided with supervision and support in the workplace, and a safe working environment including personal protective equipment (PPE).