Existing workers who become apprentices and trainees

Existing workers can do an apprenticeship or traineeship, with the same employer, to improve their skills and gain vocational or trade qualifications.

Eligibility

Existing workers must meet the same criteria for all apprenticeships and traineeships based in Queensland.

Training credit

Workers who already have some skills and experience can apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) and shorten the time served as an apprentice or trainee. Apprenticeships and trainees are competency-based, not time-based.

Definition and funding implications

The definition of an existing worker is important when determining your eligibility for government-funded training or incentives.

A person who has worked at least 3 months full-time, or 12 months part-time or casually, immediately before starting the apprenticeship or traineeship with the same employer.

Learn more about definition and exemptions in the existing worker policy (PDF, 178KB).

Casual workers

Once an existing worker starts their apprenticeship or traineeship, they must work part-time or full-time, but not casually, or intermittently. This allows them enough regular contact in the workplace to train properly.