Modern Australian apprenticeships and traineeships are suitable for people of all ages and are available in many industries.

Apprenticeships and traineeships are best described as an employee who learns on the job with guidance from a mentor or manager and undertakes classroom or online learning delivered by a training organisation. It is a three-way partnership formalised through a training contract.

The main benefit of doing an apprenticeship or traineeship, compared to other study, is being able to earn a wage while you learn.

School leavers may choose to move straight into an apprenticeship or traineeship in their chosen career. If you’re coming to an apprenticeship or traineeship later in your career, this can bring many benefits to you and your employer.

Taking up an apprenticeship or traineeship when you are over 25 offers can provide you with the opportunity to change career, re-enter the workforce or gain new skills or a promotion in your current industry. See the transition builder Richard made as a mature age apprentice.

What are the steps to getting an apprenticeship or traineeship?

The Australian Government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations provides the best guide on what’s required to become an apprentice or trainee. The site takes you through what an apprenticeship or traineeship entails, the training contract and other key information.

The Australian Apprenticeship site will help you find an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider or Group Training Organisation to assist. This site also has information for employers which may help if the business you work for wants more information.

What else do I need to know?

Skills Tasmania has information about apprenticeships and traineeships. If you are thinking about becoming and apprentice or trainee, or are thinking of employing someone into your business as an apprentice or trainee, then visit Skills Tasmania first.