What are apprenticeships & traineeships?

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine on-the-job and formal training for qualifications in a wide range of industries.

Generally, an apprenticeship provides training in a skilled trade. This might be carpentry, plumbing, electrical or automotive, as just a few examples. By contrast, a traineeship provides training in a vocational area. There are many industries and job areas that might offer traineeships, from business, marketing, information technology, to hairdressing or fitness/personal training.

 
 

FACT: There are more than 74,000 people in an apprenticeship or traineeship in Victoria right now.

The common thread between apprenticeships and traineeships is that they offer a specific way of gaining qualifications and experience:

Real Opportunities: Australian Apprenticeships. © Commonwealth of Australia

  • They offer you the opportunity to study and earn an income while undertaking a qualification

  • They can be undertaken by anyone of working age

  • They give you the chance to learn new skills while getting paid in more than 500 careers and jobs

  • They can be done full-time, part-time or while you’re at school.

If this is sounding good, then an apprenticeship or traineeship might be for you!

 

Learning about apprenticeships & traineeships

The following websites contain further information about apprenticeships and traineeships. Find out more about how they are structured, what industries are on offer and more.

 

Apprenticeship & Traineeship information pages

  • Becoming an Apprentice or Trainee – Australian government webpage with information about becoming an apprentice or trainee, and related information like financial support you may be eligible for.

  • Australian Apprenticeships Pathways – Digital portal offering tools & resources to assist students researching apprenticeship & traineeship career pathways.

  • Apprenticeship Support Australia - Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider, run by VECCI in Victoria.
    Enquiries: 1300 363 831

  • MAS Experience – Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
    Multiple Melbourne Locations
    Enquiries: 1300 627 628

  • MEGT – Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
    Multiple Melbourne locations
    Enquiries: 13 63 48; 13 69 63

  • Sarina Russo Apprenticeships – Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
    Multiple Melbourne locations
    Apprenticeships hotline: 1300 178 776

  • Youth Employment Scheme (YES) – Want to work in a Victorian government department or agency but don’t know where to start? YES provides young people aged 15 to 29 with an opportunity to work in the Victorian Public Service for 12 months while completing accredited training. It is available to early school leavers, and young people facing barriers to employment are encouraged to apply. There is a stream for young people with a disability.

Applying for apprenticeships & traineeships

The best place to get information and start looking for employers willing to take on apprentices is the government-run Australian Apprenticeships website. The Australian Apprenticeship website can:

  • Provide information on apprenticeships in your chosen industry.

  • Help you find the right type of training and the right training provider.

  • Assist you with the paperwork involved in starting and Australian Apprenticeship.

  • Help you find a job agency or other organisation that specialises in finding a suitable Australian Apprenticeship.

  • Assist with information on allowances and entitlements.

  • Help you organise your training and register your training agreement.

 

Group Training Organisations

Group Training Organisations (GTOs) are organisations are set up to assist you in starting your apprenticeship or traineeship. Sign up with a GTO and they will connect you to a host business.

 

Group Training Organisations (GTOs)

 

Pre-Apprenticeships and pre-traineeship courses

Do you feel you need to develop some skills before taking on an apprenticeship or traineeship?

Pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeship courses are available to assist people in improving skills like literacy and numeracy (as well as essential work-related skills) before starting your apprenticeships or traineeships. These skills can help make you work-ready for the first day on site.

Pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeship courses vary between states and territories, and industries. Some may involve a work experience component and some may support you in getting a credit transfer to an apprenticeship level qualification.

They’re a great option if you want to build some skills and confidence before getting out there in the workplace to study and work.

 

Pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeship courses