Apprentices and trainees

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Apprentices and trainees

Australian Apprenticeships – often called apprenticeships or traineeships – are a great learning pathway, and there has never been a better time to be an apprentice in Tasmania!

Australian Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with formal study and allow you to experience a more practical approach to learning with the bonus of earning while you are learning!

You don’t have to be a school leaver to undertake an Australian Apprenticeship – you just have to be employed, or about to be employed. In fact, many apprentices and trainees these days have already spent some time in the workforce and are looking to change careers.

The benefits of undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship include being able to:

earn while you learn
receive recognition for skills you already have
undertake training on-the-job at your workplace, off-the-job at TasTAFE, or a combination of both
develop new and existing skills under the guidance of both your employer and TasTAFE’s experienced teacher
create a pathway from school to work
graduate with a nationally recognised qualification

TasTAFE is the largest trainer of apprentices and trainees in Tasmania, and is here to help you get the skills you need while you are working, so that when you finish your apprenticeship or traineeship, you’ll have a fantastic combination of practical skills, experience and formal education under your belt.

Learn more about Australian Apprenticeships below.

What is an Australian Apprenticeship?

Australian Apprenticeships – also called apprenticeships or traineeships – are structured training arrangements that offer you the opportunity to train, study and earn an income at a variety of qualification levels across a wide range of industries.

During your apprenticeship/traineeship, you will split your time between working with your employer on-the-job and attending TasTAFE to spend time training with TasTAFE’s experienced teachers. Depending on the qualification you are studying, your time at TasTAFE may consist of block training (for example, full-time over a two-week period) or certain days as agreed with your employer over the course of the year.

When you complete your training you will have a nationally recognised qualification, which means that you will be able to get work in your chosen field anywhere in Australia, as well as in many countries around the world.

You can find more information on the Australian Apprenticeships website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit or any entry requirements?

Australian Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age and can be full-time, part-time or school-based.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a school leaver, re-entering the workforce or are an adult wishing to change careers. You just need to be employed as an apprentice/trainee before you can start your training course.

Pre-apprenticeship programs

If you are thinking about undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship but want more of an idea about a particular trade area before you commit to undertaking the formal qualification, a pre-apprenticeship program may be a good option for you.

It’s also a great study choice if you want to increase your chances of securing an apprenticeship.

You do not need to have an employer for this program.

How much will it cost?

In some cases, your employer will cover the cost of your training and in other cases, you may be required to cover the cost yourself (check out the TasTAFE fee schedule if this is the case). Most modern industrial awards state who is responsible for the cost of training.

It’s also important to find out if you are expected to purchase some or all of your tools or resources. Policies differ between workplaces and costs may vary.

Talk to your employer for further details and also take a look at the Trade Support Loans website – these are loans that assist you with everyday costs while you complete your apprenticeship/traineeship.

How long will it take?

Australian Apprenticeships can be done on either a full-time or part-time basis. The length of training will vary according to the qualification you choose and any prior skills and experience you may have.

Traineeships typically take between twelve months and two years to complete, whilst most trades apprenticeships take three to four years.

As training is competency-based and many trades require licensing, the exact time it will take you to complete your qualification may vary.

You can find more information on the Australian Apprenticeships website.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments are designed to help you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, and allow TasTAFE to confirm you can perform to the standard required in the workplace and meet all of the requirements of your course.

Each qualification will have a different set of requirements, which will be clearly outlined to you before you begin your apprenticeship/traineeship. Assessment of the units in your qualification will generally be completed by TasTAFE teachers or skilled mentors in your workplace, using evidence from activities conducted during theory, practical classes and activities.

Generally, a combination of observations, work projects and questioning are used for assessments, but you may also be assessed on work samples, the development of a portfolio of work, third party feedback or recognition of prior learning and skills. What is common across all courses is that you will be assessed by industry-competent professionals – so when you graduate, you can be confident you have the skills you need to work in your chosen industry

What if I need to travel from my workplace to train at TasTAFE?

Some qualifications require periods of block training at TasTAFE. For example, you may be employed in Devonport, but might be required to travel to Hobart for a two-week period of block training.

In these cases, many apprentices choose to stay at TasTAFE’s on-campus accommodation in Launceston (Alanvale Campus) or Hobart (Clarence Campus). This means you can get to your training easily, make friends with others in your industry and have access to very reasonably priced accommodation.

A travel and accommodation allowance is available to apprentices and trainees who have a training contract registered with Skills Tasmania.

What qualifications are available through an Australian Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are offered at Certificate III level, whereas traineeships are generally available from Certificate II through to the Advanced Diploma level.

TasTAFE offers qualifications in a wide range of industries, including:

Agriculture and Horticulture
Automotive
Business and Finance
Construction and Allied Trades
Electrotechnology
Food Processing and Wine
Forestry
Hair and Beauty
Health Human Services
Information Technology
Metals and Engineering
Mining
Miscellaneous
Plumbing
Tourism and Hospitality

How do I find an Australian Apprenticeship?

If you’re looking to undertake an Australian Apprenticeship and have already left school, you’ll need to find an employer who is looking to hire an apprentice.

To get started:

browse the courses on the TasTAFE website to see what qualifications are offered as apprenticeships, and if they suit your interests and career goals
put together a resume outlining your skills, knowledge, hobbies and previous experience
check out job vacancy ads in your local paper or online jobs sites and jobs notice boards
contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider in your region to assist you with job-matching services
directly contact employers in the industry you’d like to work in, or contact a Group Training Organisation
visit www.jobsearch.gov.au.

If you are still at school, make an appointment to talk to your Careers Counsellor or VET Coordinator – tell them that you’d like to undertake an Australian School-based Apprenticeship and let them know what industry areas you’d like to work in.

Gaining a position as an apprentice/trainee is competitive, and you’ll need to be prepared to go through an application process. A great way to start is by updating your resume and researching the industry you are interested in. Potential employers will be looking for applicants who are genuinely interested in their sector.

You might also like to check out the National Skills Needs List (PDF). This identifies trades that are experiencing a national skills shortage.

Will I have a job when I finish?

While completing an Australian Apprenticeship is not a guarantee of a job, successfully completing your training puts you in a great position for your future.

Many employers are keen to retain their best apprentices/trainees. However, if you find yourself job hunting after your qualification is complete, your skills, experience and industry connections will help put you ahead of the pack!

Three to four years might seem like a long time, but remember you’re working towards become fully qualified and getting hands-on experience and getting paid for it at the same time!

Can I have existing skills recognised?

It makes sense that you should be recognised for the things you already know how to do.

TasTAFE can assess your skills and knowledge based on your previous education, work history or life experience. This may help you gain your qualification – and finish your apprenticeship/traineeship – a whole lot faster.

Talk to your employer and TasTAFE teacher to find out more.

What is an Australian School-based Apprenticeship/traineeship?

If you are in Year 10, 11 or 12, and want to get a head start on your career pathway, you might like to undertake an apprenticeship/traineeship while finishing your Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) at your senior secondary school.

Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASbAs) offer a mix of academic and vocational education and skills training with paid employment, where you will be able to work towards gaining a nationally recognised qualification – usually at Certificate II or Certificate III level – in the industry sector of your choice.

You’ll need to commit to attending school when you are timetabled to do so, and study subjects that that are complementary to your ASbA qualification and contribute to your TCE. Every unit of competency achieved over the course of your ASbA contract will contribute points to your TCE.

Your working hours and attendance at TasTAFE for training will be negotiated between you, your employer, your school and TasTAFE.

For more information on School-based and Australian Apprenticeships, visit the Department of Education or the Australian Apprenticeships websites.

If you are a secondary school student thinking of starting an Australian Apprenticeship while still at school, your Careers Advisor or ASbA facilitator will be your first point of call… make some time to talk to them today!

What is Group Training?

Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employ apprentices/trainees under an employment and training contract and then place them with host employers.

The GTO undertakes employer responsibilities such as ensuring the quality and continuity of employment and training, as well as providing the support services necessary for the successful completion of your training.

Partnering with a GTO improves the quality and breadth of training available to apprentices/trainees in small and medium-sized businesses. To find out more, search the Group Training National Register.

What support is available?

At TasTAFE, we provide free and confidential support services for all students experiencing a wide range of personal and financial issues, regardless of whether you have just begun your training or are nearing completion. Your employer is also likely to have support mechanisms in place for you. Alternatively, you can also contact your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider or a Workforce Training Consultant directly with any concerns.

If you have concerns that you’d like to discuss with us, please contact us on 1300 655 307 to request an appointment. TasTAFE Student Support staff can catch up with you at a time and place that suits you and will assist you in finding practical solutions to your problems. If you have a disability and require support to assist you with your learning, please contact us on 1300 655 307 and ask to speak with the Disability Liaison Officer in your region.

Apprentices and trainees are welcome to access academic support from TasTAFE. This includes in-class support and the drop-in study support services on campus. If a group of apprentices or trainees require support in a specific area, this can also be arranged.

Where to from here...?

Choose a career/industry area – decide on the type of work and industry you want to work in. Find out if there is an apprenticeship or traineeship being offered in the industry that you have chosen by browsing the list of approved apprenticeships/traineeships in Tasmania.
Find an employer – put together a resume that outlines any work experience, hobbies, your school studies, achievements, your career goals and contact details, and find an employer who will give you a job so you can earn and learn. You can do this by looking in the job vacancy ads in your local paper or online, contacting an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider in your region to assist you with job-matching services, directly contacting employers in the industry you’d like to work in, or contacting a Group Training Organisation. You can also visit www.jobsearch.gov.au – this website advertises traineeships and apprenticeships in your local area and has details of local Job Services Australia providers who can also help you.
Get started! – once you’ve found an employer and been offered a job, you and your employer will need to contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider and sign a training contract as an agreement to work and train together for a specified duration.A training contract is a legally binding document that outlines the roles and responsibilities of both you and your employer. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must also sign the contract. TasTAFE will then work with you and your employer to help you achieve your qualification. We will help you and your employer develop a training plan, deliver your training, assess your skills and knowledge, and issue you your qualification on successful completion of the course. You and your employer will also need to discuss any additional costs associated with the delivery and assessment of your qualification.