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About apprenticeships and traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine work with study so you earn while you learn. They can be full-time, part-time or school-based.

You will learn new skills and gain experience and confidence working in a real job. You can then keep working, do further study or even start your own business.

See what is available:

Benefits

An apprenticeship or traineeship lets you:

  • gain practical work experience
  • get a qualification that's recognised across Australia
  • acquire skills that are valuable to employers
  • get paid while you learn and combine work with structured training
  • learn the latest knowledge and skills.

Differences between an apprenticeship and traineeship

An apprentice is trained in a skilled trade, such as:

  • electrical
  • plumbing
  • cabinet-making
  • automotive mechanics.

You will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification on completion and become a qualified tradesperson. Apprenticeships can take up to 4 years to complete.

A trainee is trained in a vocational area, usually in a non-trade area such as:

  • office administration
  • information technology
  • hospitality.

You will receive a minimum Certificate II on completion. Traineeships can take between 12 months to 3 years to complete.

Get started as an apprentice or trainee.​

Licence
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0)
Last updated
15 January 2013

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