Australian Apprenticeships

For practical, skill-driven career seekers, Australian Apprenticeships will definitely appeal, with their hands-on focus and diverse range of career paths.

Apprentices gain a qualification and on-the-job experience

Apprenticeships combine work and structured learning to provide a qualification and a head start on your career path at the same time. Apprentices gain:

• Industry experience through paid work
• An on- or off-the-job training program
• A nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification, which could lead to further qualifications
• A new career path.

Apprenticeships: careers in trades and industry

Australian apprenticeships are available in over 500 different occupations, including those in the following trades and industries:

• Agriculture, horticulture and related industries
• Automotive
• Building and construction
• Community services and health
• Hairdressing
• Information technology
• Printing
• Property services
• Retail
• Sport and recreation
• Telecommunications
• Tourism.

The life of an apprentice: how does it all work?

Anyone can do an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships do not require any entry qualifications. They are available to anyone who is legally able to work, including students finishing or leaving school or anyone wanting to start a new career. Your apprenticeship can be done on a full-time or part-time basis.

Where does structured training take place?

Structured training can be completed on-the-job or off-the-job. Off-the-job training takes place at TAFE institutes or other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

How long will it take to complete an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships used to take up to around four years, depending on the occupation or industry. Now, apprenticeships are ‘competency based’, which means that you can complete your apprenticeship early when you reach the required level of skill.

Those with prior experience or qualifications might be able to reduce the length of their apprenticeship in recognition of their skills and experience.

Getting started

Apprentices need to find an employer willing to take them on, or a Group Training Organisation to employ them. To find out more, see the Australian Apprenticeships website (details below).

For more information

For details about how to get started with your search for an Australian Apprenticeship, or to find out more about how it all works, go to www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au and find your local Australian Apprenticeship Centre.

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