How to Find the Apprenticeship You Want!

So, you’ve got it all sorted. A career in mind, a skill that you want to master – and a plan to kick off your lifelong dream via an apprenticeship.

How to Find an Apprenticeship – Two Ways

Meet with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider

• Find a suitable apprenticeship
• Sign-up and manage paperwork and applications etc.
• Understand the requirements of your Apprenticeship and what you need to do to earn your qualification

• You can find a list of Network Providers in Australia here
• And a list of Group Training Organisations here

Find apprenticeships online & apply directly

• Search Tip: If you’re unsure how to start searching, enter the word “apprenticeship” or “traineeship” in the search box, choose your industry and choose/enter your location too.

What You Need to Know to Take On an Apprenticeship

• You don’t need any qualifications or experience (though you can use prior experience or knowledge to contribute to your apprenticeship qualification).
• You don’t need a Higher School Certificate (HSC) or any other educational qualifications.
• You can be any age, although you must be at least of working age (which in Australia is 15 years). If you’re too young, consider a pre-apprenticeship (more info below).
• You can start your apprenticeship at any time, even if you’ve already had another job or career.
• Apprenticeships can be full-time or part-time, and can take place on-the-job (practical experience) and off-the-job (e.g. studies at TAFE).
• Current students can also begin school-based apprenticeships while they’re in Year 11 or 12.

What If You’re Too Young For an Apprenticeship?

Success! You’ve Found an Apprenticeship – What’s Next?

• Your Network Provider or GTO will set up the paperwork for the apprenticeship.
• Speak to your employer and/or Network Provider about when you will start the apprenticeship (e.g. date/time).
• You should also discuss details such as on the job requirements, responsibilities, studies, pay/wages, working hours and any other conditions involved.
• You’ll likely need to sign a contract and a few other forms. Ensure you understand your obligations and read the fine print before you do so.

Steps to an Apprenticeship – A Summary

• Think about your career goals or what industry or job you want to work in.
• Do some research and decide what type of apprenticeship or course could be a good for you.
• Have a think about your personal situation and whether you want to complete the apprenticeship full-time or part-time.
• Write or update your resume to reflect your most relevant skills and experience (or you could ask a Network Provider to help you do this).
• Contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider or GTO (see above) who can help match your goals/skills to a specific company and apprenticeship.
• Alternatively, search apprenticeship and job sites and use your resume/cover letter to apply for the apprenticeship you want. You could also try contacting organisations directly if you have someone in mind you’d like to work for.
• Once you’ve been accepted, speak to your Network Provider, GTO and/or employer about the requirements and details of your apprenticeship and discuss how to get the ball rolling.