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  2. Apprenticeships and Traineeships in Australia
Published 24 Feb 2020

Apprenticeships and Traineeships in Australia

by Amber Kirkwood

Apprenticeships and Traineeships in Australia represent a huge part of our Education and Training sector.

If you’re considering one of these great pathways to develop the skills needed in today’s in-demand industries; learn everything you need to know to start your journey right here.


Published 24 Feb 2020

Apprenticeships and Traineeships in Australia

by Amber Kirkwood

1


  • Benefits of a Traineeship

  • 2

  • How to Start an Apprenticeship

  • 3

  • Apprenticeship Wages & Funding

  • 4

  • Trade vs Non-Trade Apprenticeships

  • 5

  • Apprenticeship Groups and Glossary


  • Benefits of a Traineeship
  • How to Start an Apprenticeship
  • Apprenticeship Wages & Funding
  • Trade vs Non-Trade Apprenticeships
  • Apprenticeship Groups and Glossary


  • What is an Apprenticeship or Traineeship?

    An apprenticeship or traineeship, is a learning pathway offered to prospective students who want to gain a qualification while working on a job that allows you to practically apply your skills.

    There are a lot of myths about apprenticeships out there, but this comprehensive guide should provide you with all the information necessary to make a logical decision.

    An Apprenticeship must be undertaken through a Registered Training organisation (RTO), of which, currently stands at over 500 nationwide. Qualifications can range between a Certificate II to Advanced Diploma level across several traditional trades as well as more fields which are beginning to rise in demand. These other fields, often referred to as ‘non- trades’, are normally more service-based industries, including business, sales , administration, hospitality and community services.

    Apprenticeships provide practical experience as well as all relevant theoretical concepts vital in obtaining a well-rounded education which is continuously held in high regard by trade and non- trade employers alike.

    0,925

    Apprentices and Trainees in Australia



    What’s the Difference Between an Apprenticeship and Traineeship?

    While apprenticeships and Traineeships are very similar in the way a student can learn on the job; when it comes to things like employment conditions and contracts they are a little different. They also tend to have different lengths of completion time, with Apprenticeships taking anywhere between 3.5-4 years to complete, where a traineeship is usually a few months to a year long.

    Another point of difference, in the likelihood of an employer selling their business, any apprentice employed by them would need to mandatorily complete their apprenticeship through any new employer who may buy the business off the former owner. This is not the case in traineeship programs, who would in this case, likely lose their position and program.

    One obvious difference that tends to tell the two apart, is the industries we normally see them in. Apprenticeships are more focused on employment outcomes and meeting demand in industries that are crucial to the economy. This is why many apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship courses have government-funding options. On the other hand, traineeships are more suited to short-term demand needs and focus almost entirely on occupational outcomes. Traineeships are crucial in getting many Australians into rewarding careers in areas like hospitality and aged care.


    Duration

    Qualification Levels

    Employment Terms

    Popular Qualifications

    Apprenticeships

    Between 3-4 years

    Common Qualification Levels:

    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Diploma

    Contract can’t be terminated unless both the apprentice and employer mutually agree on the terms of the contract

    Popular courses include:

    • Certificate II in Horticulture
    • Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology
    • Certificate II in Engineering Pathways
    • Certificate II in Construction

    Traineeships

    Between 1-4 years

    Common Qualification Levels:

    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Advanced Diploma

    Like normal employment contracts, traineeships can be terminated by either the trainee or the employer at any time

    Popular courses include:

    • Certificate III in Hospitality
    • Certificate III in Individual Support
    • Certificate IV in Hairdressing
    • Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy

    What’s the Difference Between an Apprenticeship and Traineeship?


    While apprenticeships and Traineeships are very similar in the way a student can learn on the job; when it comes to things like employment conditions and contracts they are a little different. They also tend to have different lengths of completion time, with Apprenticeships taking anywhere between 3.5-4 years to complete, where a traineeship is usually a few months to a year long.

    Another point of difference, in the likelihood of an employer selling their business, any apprentice employed by them would need to mandatorily complete their apprenticeship through any new employer who may buy the business off the former owner. This is not the case in traineeship programs, who would in this case, likely lose their position and program.

    One obvious difference that tends to tell the two apart, is the industries we normally see them in. Apprenticeships are more focused on employment outcomes and meeting demand in industries that are crucial to the economy. This is why many apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship courses have government-funding options. On the other hand, traineeships are more suited to short-term demand needs and focus almost entirely on occupational outcomes. Traineeships are crucial in getting many Australians into rewarding careers in areas like hospitality and aged care.


    Duration

    Apprenticeships

    Between 3-4 years

    Traineeships

    A few months to 1.5 years

    Qualifications

    Apprenticeships

    Common Qualification Levels:

    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Diploma

    Traineeships

    Common Qualification Levels:

    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Advanced Diploma

    Employment Terms

    Apprenticeships

    Contract can’t be terminated unless both the apprentice and employer mutually agree on the terms of the contract

    Traineeships

    Like normal employment contracts, traineeships can be terminated by either the trainee or the employer at any time

    Popular Courses

    Apprenticeships

    Popular courses include:

    • Certificate II in Horticulture
    • Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology
    • Certificate II in Engineering Pathways
    • Certificate II in Construction

    Traineeships

    Popular courses include:

    • Certificate III in Hospitality
    • Certificate III in Individual Support
    • Certificate IV in Hairdressing
    • Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy

    What are The Benefits of an Apprenticeship?

    One of the main benefits of an apprenticeship is that it allows you to gain a nationally recognised qualification, while also earning an income. Most alternative training and learning pathways- such as through University or Vocational education- requires choosing one or the other, either work and earn an income, or alternatively, undertake a qualification. This choice is especially difficult for young apprenticeships who may otherwise struggle to gain employment.

    It also enables apprenticeships to gain practical experience, which is particularly beneficial in trades and other applied professions. There are also plenty of government funding options and loans to assist with equipment, living costs and transport. This is especially useful for young apprentices.

    One of the greatest benefits of apprenticing is that it’s been proved that undertaking an on-site training program can result in better and higher- paying positions in the future. There’s also a correlation between apprenticeships and more job opportunities, as well as longer-lasting employment in future career endeavours.

    Find Your Course Today

    How to Start an Apprenticeship


    Who Can Become an Apprentice?

    Apprentices can come in many forms, a majority tend to be school-leavers, however mature-age apprentices re-entering the workforce are seen more frequently. Some apprenticeship programs are offered to those still in secondary school, through an official School- Based apprenticeship program.

    No qualifications are required to start, not even a secondary school certificate.


    How Do You Study Under an Apprenticeship?

    Apprenticeships are normally a combination of both off- site training (formal theoretical learning) and on- site training. Once you have successfully found an employer wishing to take you on, and have the on- site training component sorted; you will need to ensure that your formal assessment is undergone through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) who have approved courses and qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

    How Long is an Apprenticeship?

    Apprenticeships typically last 3.5 -4 years and are specifically structured to cover all relevant aspects of the occupation.

    The Australian Apprenticeship Process

    If you’re looking to begin an apprenticeship, whether you’re in high school, just graduated or wanting to start a mature-age apprenticeship; the process can be confusing. While the exact method can change based on industry, qualification or even state; most of the time an apprenticeship or traineeship will follow this process:

    • Step 1

      Both parties, employer and apprentice sign a ‘training contract’ as executed and approved by an Australian Apprenticeship Support network provider (AASN) who also provide information and approval for incentives/ funding

    • Step 2

      AASN submits the training contract to a State/ Territory Training Authority (STA) for approval

    • Step 3

      Employer and apprentice contact a selected Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to organise the off- site training. The apprentice is enrolled and a training plan/ scheme is established with sets out the delivery and commencement of training, as well as relevant learning modules required for training competency

    • Step 4

      After a probationary period of three months, employers are able to apply for a standard commencement payment subject to the STA approval on the training contract

    • Step 5

      A member of the RTO as well as the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) are due for an on- site visit. Over the course of the program, there will normally be four onsite visits conducted

    • Step 6

      The Apprentice completes their training, where the employer, as well as the RTO approve that the training program requirements have been met, and the apprentice has acceptable competency

    • Step 7

      The employer provides verification to the STA of on-the- job competence, and the STA provides a certification in the trade/ occupation to the apprentice

    • Step 8

      STA confirms the completion, training contract is ended and the employer is eligible for standard completion payments

    Apprenticeship Wages

    Whether you’re looking to find out how much the wage is for an apprenticeship plumber or electrician; you can find all that and more right here. The average wage for an apprentice or trainee in Australia does depend on a number of factors, including:

    • Age
    • Length of Apprenticeship
    • Award Terms
    • Contract Hours
    • Industry

    Most apprenticeship wages will be covered in the employment terms, which need to be accepted by all parties, as well as a representative from the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network. Like all jobs, paid apprenticeships and traineeships are covered by minimum wage laws set out by the FairWork Ombudsman. The FairWork Australia can help tally your pay depending on the Award you are under. Differences in pay will be determined as well by whether you’re a school-leaver, in high school or looking to undertake a mature-aged apprenticeship.


    Government-Funding for Apprentices

    To make things a little easier for apprentices to take part in these rewarding programs; the Government has a number of payment options available to assist with working. While apprenticeships are paid, these loans can help with everything from equipment, transport and living costs.

    Living Away From Home Allowance

    Australian Apprentices undertaking a Certificate II or higher level qualification may be eligible for the Living Away from Home Allowance if they have to move away from their parental/guardian home for the first time to commence or remain in an Australian Apprenticeship, or are homeless.

    Australian Apprentices may be eligible for up to twelve months of Living Away From Home Allowance which can grant them money per week to assist with living costs and transport.

    Apprenticeship Trade Support Loans

    Eligible Australian Apprentices will have access to loans totalling up to $20,000 over the course of their apprenticeship to assist with the costs of undertaking an apprenticeship.

    Eligible Australian Apprentices may receive payments every year totalling:

    • Year One: Up to $8000
    • Year Two: Up to $6000
    • Year Three: Up to $4000
    • Year Four: Up to $2000

    Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY

    Australian Apprenticeships may also be eligible for fortnightly payments delivered by Centerlink, including:

    • Youth Allowance for Australian Apprentices aged 16-24
    • Austudy for Australian Apprentices aged 25 and over
    • ABSTUDY for Australian Apprentices of any age and who are Indigenous Australians

    What’s the Difference Between a Trade and a Non-Trade Apprenticeship?

    The ‘Trades’ are typically referred to for common apprenticeship industries, that benefit from practical, hands-on experience. This is different from the ‘Non-Trades’ which usually involve traineeships that are seen in clerical or administrative areas. Some examples of Trades vs Non-Trades can be seen below:


    Non-Trade Areas

    Trade Industries

    • Management
    • Business, Human Resources & Marketing
    • Health and Welfare
    • Aged Care
    • Hospitality
    • Sports & Sports Science
    • Administration
    • Retail & Sales
    • Beauty & Hairdressing
    • Culinary Arts

    • Engineering
    • Automotive & Machinery
    • Electrotechnology
    • Food Trades
    • Printing & Graphics
    • Carpentry
    • Plumbing

    What’s the Difference Between a Trade and a Non-Trade Apprenticeship?


    The ‘Trades’ are typically referred to for common apprenticeship industries, that benefit from practical, hands-on experience. This is different from the ‘Non-Trades’ which usually involve traineeships that are seen in clerical or administrative areas. Some examples of Trades vs Non-Trades can be seen below:


    Non-Trade Areas

    • Management
    • Business, Human Resources & Marketing
    • Health and Welfare
    • Aged Care
    • Hospitality
    • Sports & Sports Science
    • Administration
    • Retail & Sales
    • Beauty & Hairdressing
    • Culinary Arts

    Trade Industries

    • Engineering
    • Automotive & Machinery
    • Construction
    • Electrotechnology
    • Food Trades
    • Printing & Graphics
    • Carpentry
    • Plumbing

    Hiring an Apprentice

    Hiring an Apprentice in your company can be very rewarding. With their enthusiasm, ability to work hard and being able to nurture a new talent, they can prove very important to your business. There are a few things you do need to consider when hiring an apprentice in Australia, to make sure the program is a good fit for you.

    Usually, the process begins with determining what you are looking for and working out what would best suit your workplace in terms of on-the-job hours, pay and when you would like an apprentice to begin.

      1. Finding an Apprentice

      One of the most effective ways of starting your search for hiring an apprentice is to work through a Group Training Organisation (GTO). These organisations are a very important part of the Australian Apprenticeship program, and offer great support to young apprentices and employers alike. Group Training Organisations effectively recruit keen apprentices and help them find a workplace that suits them. Many employers prefer to go through GTOs rather than go through the hiring process themselves.

      Otherwise jobs sites, schools and local employment agencies are a good place to begin the search

      2. Lodging a Training Contract

      Once an apprentice has been found that suits your company, the next step is to agree upon, and lodge a training contract. If you decide to go through a GTO, they typically take care of this step for you. Otherwise, to contract an apprentice, you will both need to agree upon:

    • The goals and work expectations
    • The on-site requirements
    • The Registered Training Organisation (RTO) the off-site training will be done through
    • The training plan which is to be agreed upon by the apprentice, employer and RTO

    3. Registering an Apprentice

    Once the contract and training plan have been finalised, it’s important that they are given to an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider. These are then approved and registered through the relevant State or Territory Authority (STA). Once registration is complete and you have been verified as an employer, both you and the apprentice will receive confirmation that you can begin the program. The STA will oversee the apprenticeship for it’s duration and ensure everything is in check and according to FairWork guidelines.

    Incentives for Hiring an Apprentice in Australia

    To make things a little easier for the employer, the Government–both State and Federal–have made things decidedly easier to take part in the program.

    Cash incentives for hiring, training and completing an apprenticeship can vary anywhere between $750 for recommencing an apprenticeship, to up to $3000 for completing one successfully.

    The incentive amount for employers who hire an apprentice is based on:

    • Whether the apprentice is a ‘New Worker’
    • Whether the Occupation is a ‘Priority Occupation’ on the National Skills Needs List
    • Whether the Occupation is a ‘Non-Priority Occupation’
    • Beginning an Apprenticeship at the Workplace
    • Recommencing an Apprenticeship
    • Completing an Apprenticeship Program
    • Hiring a ‘Mature Aged’ Adult Apprentice
    • Hiring an Apprentice in a Regional or Rural Skills Shortage Occupation
    • Hiring an Apprentice in a Declared Drought Area
    • Hiring a School- Based Apprentice
    • Hiring an Apprentice with a Disability

    Employers can receive higher incentives for completing an apprenticeship program in an area that is on the National Skills Shortage List and that is deemed ‘High Priority’. The larger incentive bonuses are also available for retaining and completing an apprenticeship for the full duration and until the apprentice has received their qualification.

    Apprenticeship Groups and Glossary

    The apprenticeship system can seem like a tricky process, with plenty of organisations, groups and abbreviations to confuse. To make things a little easier, we’ve come up with a list of helpful terms to make the apprenticeship journey seem a little easier to follow.

    Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN)

    The Australian Apprenticeship Support Network assists employers and apprentices alike with recruitment, training, screening and assistance through every stage of the training contract.They are the point f contact between the employers and apprentices for the duration of an apprenticeship and are a crucial support for both parties.

    They are responsible for the provision of Australian Apprenticeship Incentive program and Trade Support Loans through State and Territory Authorities (STAs). Currently, there are approximately 11 Registered Network Providers servicing over 420 locations across Australia.

    AASN branches typically:

    • Supervise Training Contracts
    • Take part in on-site visists
    • Oversee training programs and completion arrangements

    Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    A Registered Training Organisation is an approved education provider, such as a University, TAFE or Private Educator. They are able to provide accredited training through courses to students across the country. Not all providers offer Apprenticeship courses and programs, but many TAFE and Private educators do.

    Once an RTO is chosen by both the employer and the apprentice, and agrees to provide off- site training, it becomes a Supervised Registered Training Organisation, to deliver the training and assessment of an apprenticeship. They create a training plan which outlines the learning schedule and modules, as well as the skill set required upon completion. RTOs will also issue the qualification when the Australian Apprenticeship has been successfully completed.

    State and Territory Training Authorities (STAs)

    Government departments in each State and Territory responsible for the operation of the VET system within their jurisdiction. They are responsible for monitoring GTOs, registration and certification of Australian Apprenticeship training agreements, employment arrangements for apprenticeship programs (including approval of training contracts), registration and monitoring of RTOs.

    Group Training Organisations (GTOs)

    Group Training Organisations employ apprentices and places them with host employers, who provide on- the- job training. GTOs are the legal employers of apprentices they employ, and are responsible for signing the training contract, paying wages and undertaking administrative responsibilities. The host employer pays a fee to a GTO to use this service, which benefits them through the use of GTO officers to handle any concerns and legal requirements, and provide them with flexible staffing needs.

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