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.

An Apprenticeship must be undertaken through a Registered Training organisation (RTO), of which, currently stands at over 500 nationwide. Qualifications can range between 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.

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.

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.

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:

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:

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.

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:

Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY

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

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:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

If you’re after more information on how to start an apprenticeship, finding an apprentice or even mature-age apprenticeships; you’ll find all that and more in some of these useful articles that delve deeper into these areas.