The flexibility of the vocational education and training (VET) system makes it easier for anyone wishing to become an apprentice or trainee. Apprentices and trainees can be full-time, part-time or school-based. Apprenticeships and traineeships are available to anyone of working age. You can be a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or simply wishing to change careers.
As an existing employee, you may be trained in-house or after hours. Most training providers offer courses that run both during normal business hours and after hours, either at night or on weekends. Training can take place at an registered training organisation (RTO) but may also occur on the business premises. In this case, the RTO conducts the training at your workplace at times suited to your business. Employees can undertake accredited training in the workplace as part of their normal work.
If you live in a more remote area, you can learn through distance education or online courses. In distance education, the training is delivered by a training provider from a remote location or in a location convenient for the learner. Training is often provided over the internet and support materials such as course booklets, CD ROMs and training manuals are often provided by the RTO. Intensive training sessions are conducted periodically at the RTO's premises.
Most RTOs offer all of these options. You should be able to negotiate the training to suit your needs. For example, you may require the training to involve a combination of distance education via the Internet, frequent in-house training seminars, night classes, or a combination of all three.
Career Opportunities in Vocational Education and Training (VET)
