Apprenticeships and traineeships – find out the facts

Learn on the job and earn an internationally recognised qualification

Becoming an apprentice or trainee will give you hands-on practical work experience and a qualification that is recognised in Australia and internationally. It gives you a big advantage in the job market, by giving you the practical experience and job-specific training that employers are looking for.

Apprenticeships and traineeships are very similar. Both offer training options that are on-the-job, off-the-job or a combination of both.

The main differences are:

Apprenticeships are generally in traditional technical trades and normally take from three to four years to complete.

(Examples are electrical apprenticeships, hairdressing apprenticeships, plumbing apprenticeships, mechanics apprenticeships, carpentry apprenticeships, chef apprenticeships, and brick layer apprenticeships.)

Traineeships are usually in non-trade areas and are usually completed within a one to two year program. Part-time is pro-rated depending on hours worked.

(Examples include traineeship roles in management, business, real estate, finance, retail, multimedia and local government.)

Finish sooner...

Apprenticeships and traineeships are 'competency based'. This means it may be possible to complete your training sooner depending upon how quickly you reach the required skill level.

Fact finding about apprenticeships or traineeships