Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training with working in a real job, with a real boss, for a real wage. Apprentices and trainees work towards the completion of a nationally recognised qualification while learning valuable skills at work and under the guidance of a training organisation.
Becoming an apprentice or trainee could be the best thing you ever do. You'll be trained and mentored all the way. You'll earn a wage and work towards a qualification that could really take you places.
What is the difference between an apprentice and a trainee?Apprentices are trained in a skilled trade (e.g. electrical, plumbing, cabinet-making, automotive) and, upon successful completion, become a qualified tradesperson. Apprenticeships generally take up to 4 years to complete.
Trainees are trained in vocational areas (e.g. business administration, information technology, tourism) and, upon successful completion, receive a qualification in their chosen vocational area. Traineeships generally take between 12 months and 3 years to complete.
Quick facts about apprenticeships and traineeships
- Apprenticeships and traineeships combine work with structured training.
- Apprenticeships and traineeships can be full-time, part-time, or school-based - where some training is undertaken while the apprentice or trainee is in high school. However, apprenticeships and traineeships cannot be undertaken if the employment is irregular, occasional or intermittent (e.g. casual).
- Existing employees may undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship.
- Apprenticeships and traineeships require employers to enter into a training contract with the apprentice or trainee, agreeing to work and train together for a length of time (length of the training contract).
- Employers work with the training organisation and the apprentice or trainee to negotiate a training plan.
School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) allow high school students, generally in Years 10, 11 or 12, to work for an employer and train towards a recognised qualification, while completing their secondary schooling and studying for their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or equivalent.
SATs help young people go places, whether that's a full-time job, a trade career, university, TAFE or other training.
Advantages of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships
More flexibility and variety
- The variety provided by SATs can have enormous benefits for young people who prefer hands-on learning to traditional schooling pathways.
Head start in a career
Young people employed as school-based apprentices and trainees develop workplace skills, knowledge and confidence and have a competitive edge when applying for jobs. A SAT can lead directly to full-time employment once a student has left school.
Nationally recognised qualification
- All school-based apprentices and trainees participate in vocational training that contributes to a Certificate II, III or higher vocational qualification which can count towards the student's QCE.
An opportunity to learn and earn
School-based apprentices and trainees are paid while they learn workplace skills, gain confidence, and adapt to a work environment. It gives the student the opportunity to put skills learnt at school and the training organisation, into practice in a real work environment.
Contributing to the community
- Employers who take on school-based apprentices and trainees can make a real difference by motivating young people to work towards their future goals and giving them realistic exposure to the industry or sector.
Employer satisfaction
- Employers and supervisors often experience a great deal of satisfaction during the process as they help individuals mould new skills and gain confidence in a work environment.