Australian Apprenticeships encompass both apprenticeships and traineeships.
Australian Apprentices learn skills in a particular industry by working and training on-the-job and, in many cases, from off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (such as a TAFE institute or a private training provider). As a result, Australian Apprentices gain skills and nationally recognised qualifications in the industry in which they have been working.
An Australian Apprenticeship can be full time or part time. The length of an Australian Apprenticeship depends on the industry, the specific occupation or trade, any previous training undertaken and how quickly your competency is achieved.
Generally, Australian Apprenticeships can be started at any age and do not require any entry qualifications.
Who can undertake an Australian Apprenticeship?
In general, the following criteria determine who may undertake an Australian Apprenticeship:
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The apprentice must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a New Zealand passport holder having lived in Australia for at least 6 months.
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The apprentice must be an employee of the business. Australian Apprenticeships are not available for Directors or Owners of a business enterprise.
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The apprentice must be working a minimum of 15 hours per week (averaged over one month) and being paid in accordance with a relevant industrial award or Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. For School Based Australian Apprenticeships different conditions apply.
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Any new worker employed by your business may be able to access State funded training.
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Existing workers employed by your business may also be eligible to undertake an Australian Apprenticeship.
