Hands-on, paid, and nationally recognised, Apprenticeships and Traineeships are a great way to learn real skills while you work.
Whether you’re interested in a trade or another industry, this pathway could kickstart your career straight from school. Explore your options and find the right fit for you.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
The term "Australian Apprenticeships" covers both apprenticeships and traineeships, which start when an employer creates a job and decides to use this way of employing and training staff.
An apprenticeship is the traditional way that people have learned the skills of a particular trade. As an apprentice you have a job with an employer and you undertake "off the job" training with an organisation such as TAFE. You will normally attend this training 1 day per week, or possibly as a block of 5 days every 5 weeks. This will tend to vary according to your job and where you live.
Apprenticeships normally take four years to complete. Like any employee, you are entitled to sick leave, holidays and other benefits.
A traineeship works in a very similar way to an apprenticeship, in that you have both on the job training with your employer and off the job training with an organisation such as TAFE or other training provider. They are available in a huge number of industry areas and normally last from 1 to 3 years. The Traineeship can take less time if you have had previous experience in that industry area or if you learn quickly and complete the required work in less time.
As an apprentice or trainee, you get:
- a job
- accredited training
- ongoing advice and support
- financial assistance
- a nationally recognised qualification
It's even possible to start an apprenticeship or traineeship while you are still at school.
For details on how this works, we suggest you check out the Western Australia’s Department of Training and Workforce website
Which Apprenticeships/Traineeships would suit you?
Not sure where to start? A great first step is to explore your interests and see how they align with apprenticeship and traineeship pathways.
The Department of Education WA has created a helpful resource that outlines the types of jobs available through apprenticeships and traineeships, the industries they belong to, and the training options that go with them.
Use this guide to match your skills and interests with real career opportunities — and take the next step with confidence.
Australian School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships:
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships allow senior high school students to complete a traineeship or commence an apprenticeship while at school. While studying for their senior studies, school based trainees/apprentices work part-time and undertake their formal or off-the-job apprenticeship training. The training undertaken as part of an SBA/SBT can count towards your WACE.
Come and speak to our college Career Practitioner or VET Department for more information about School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, or you can check out the Australian Apprenticeships Website link below.
For more information
Here are some handy links for you to access more information.
Apprenticeship Support Australia
Department of Training and Workforce Development
Jobs ad Skills Centre - Apprenticeships and Traineeships