How do Australian apprenticeships and traineeships work?

Apprenticeships or traineeships allow you to learn real skills in the workplace, earn a Nationally Recognised Qualification and be paid a wage that rises as you progress through training.

The term apprenticeship is often used in Australia, however the term can often refer to either an apprenticeship or a traineeship. Typically, an apprenticeship leads to becoming a qualified tradesperson, and a traineeship leads to a minimum Certificate II qualification. Both require entering into a training contract between the trainee, the employer and the training provider (RTO). Their parent or guardian must agree if the trainee is under 18.

By entering into a training contract under a traineeship, you can combine hands-on training in the workplace with your study. 

1) Training contracts

A training contract is a legally binding document agreed upon between an apprentice or trainee, an employer, and a training provider or RTO.

It must be signed by a parent or legal guardian if the apprentice or trainee is under 18. It covers:

• the length of the training period, apprenticeship or traineeship
• details of the registered training organisation (RTO) delivering the training
• the qualification to be obtained
• employment arrangements and industrial awards.

The training contract must be lodged with an Australian Apprenticeships Centre, which can help with preparing it and other paperwork. Upskilled can assist in finding an apprenticeship centre as part of the enrolment process.

2) Training plans

A training plan outlines what and how the trainee will do their work as part of their qualification and is negotiated between the employer, the apprentice or trainee, and the RTO (Upskilled).

3) Australian Apprenticeships Centres

To arrange the training contract and training plan, you will require the assistance of an Australian Apprenticeships Centre. The Australian government contracts with Australian Apprenticeships Centres to deliver Australian Apprenticeships Support Services at no cost to employers or Australian Apprentices or Trainees.

Upskilled collaborates with several Australian Apprenticeship Centres, including Mission Australia and MEGT, guaranteeing a quick turnaround on eligibility checks.

What support services do they include?

1. Providing information and assistance to employers, Australian apprentices or trainees, and other interested people.
2. Marketing and promoting Australian apprenticeships and traineeships.
3. Administering Australian government incentive payments to employers and allowances to Australian apprentices and trainees.

Learn more information regarding the roles and responsibilities of the employer and other key stakeholders for employees undertaking traineeships.

Where can I get more information?

For more information on the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program, please visit www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au or call the Australian Apprenticeships Referral Line on 13 38 73.