Benefits of becoming an apprentice or trainee

Whether you’re looking to become a qualified tradesperson or want to gain hands-on experience in an area of interest, an apprenticeship or traineeship can provide a great pathway to your chosen career. 

There are many benefits to undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship, whilst gaining valuable skills and experience in real work and industry environments, providing a head start in your chosen career.

Earn while you learn

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine paid work with training, allowing you to earn money while completing your nationally recognised qualification. You also benefit from working in an area of interest and have the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed for your chosen occupation in a real-world, practical setting.

Training is flexible

Apprenticeships and traineeships can be completed full-time or part-time and there is no set period of time allocated to training. Training is competency-based, meaning you finish your training once you have reached a certain skill level. Be taught the latest knowledge and skills from qualified tradespeople, with apprenticeships usually taking between three to four years to complete. Traineeships, on the other hand, usually last anywhere between six months and three years.

Obtain a nationally recognised qualification

Apprentices and trainees work towards gaining a nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as a TAFE institute or private college. Apprentices and trainees learn industry skills through a combination of on-the-job paid work, and you get to put what you learn into practice on the job. After your training, you’ll get a qualification at Certificate II, III, IV or Diploma level to provide you with a competitive difference in the job market.

Start an apprenticeship or traineeship at school

Students have the opportunity to start an apprenticeship or traineeship while at school through a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT). This program allows students to gain a head start on future training before they graduate. Apprenticeships are usually completed after the student graduates from school, while traineeships may be completed during school or continued after graduation, depending on the qualification level.

Employee incentives

Federal Government incentives may be available to assist you throughout the course of your apprenticeship or traineeship; depending on eligibility criteria. Apprentices can benefit from the federal government’s Trade Support Loans designed to assist apprentices with the costs of completing their training, and similarly to HELP loans for VET and university students, are repaid through the taxation system.

Choose from a wide variety of interests

There are more than 500 training opportunities on offer to apprentices and trainees, in areas such as agriculture, automotive, building and construction, business, food processing, hairdressing, information technology, commercial cookery, sport and recreation, and many more. Apprenticeships allow students to become qualified in a skilled trade, while traineeships offer vocational training in a range of different fields.