An apprenticeship involves full-time or part-time work with an employer who provides an opportunity to learn all aspects of a trade. This is a structured program with a combination of on the job and off the job training at a TAFE college or another registered training organisation. In a traineeship you gain hands-on skills and work experience, and improve your employment prospects, while earning a wage. You also get a nationally recognised qualification which can lead to rewarding career options. The difference between a traineeship and an apprenticeship is that a traineeship can be either a full-time or part-time employment based training arrangement, usually for around 12 months (apprenticeships usually last for three to four years) and is generally in a non-trade related area.

Employing an Australian apprentice is a smart investment in the future of your business. Investing in training through an Australian Apprenticeship can provide your business with real benefits and contribute to your bottom line. Often your apprentice will receive additional external support to complete their training, making an apprenticeship a cost-effective way of training staff. Find out more: Benefits of hiring an apprentice or trainee

A full time Apprenticeship/Traineeship can take anywhere from one to four years to complete, depending on type of apprenticeship or traineeship and the specific qualification and include qualifications from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma level. Apprenticeships are ‘competency based’ meaning you can complete your training sooner if you gain the required skill levels more quickly than usual. You may also be eligible for course credits for prior workplace experience or skills you already have, potentially reducing your formal training time.

This is a negotiation between employer and employee, based on your industry and business. There is a minimum condition for employers and employees across Australia. You can view these at www.fairwork.gov.au or call Fair Work 13 13 94.

A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is a provider and assessor of nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET), resulting in qualifications or statements of attainment that are recognised and accepted by industry and other educational institutions throughout Australia. Find out more: What is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)?

The Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) is your first point of contact for queries about how an Apprenticeship or Traineeship works, and how to set up one at your workplace. www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/about-aasn The Australian Government contracts 11 Apprenticeship Network providers to deliver support services across 400 locations nationally. Apprenticeship Network providers deliver personalised advice and support services from pre-commencement to completion. You can choose the Apprenticeship Network provider that you wish to work with, but you cannot commence an Apprenticeship or Traineeship without being formally connected to an Apprenticeship Network provider. Apprenticeship Network providers deliver free information, advice and support. Find out more here: What is an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN)?

AASN providers can provide a list of registered training organisations offering your required qualification. When choosing a training provider, it is important to consider.

• How much input an employer and apprentice/trainee have into the course?
• Where the training will take place and when it will be accessed?
• How often will your provider visit you both at work and provide feedback?
• What other assistance can they provide?
• How are they funded?

There are over 600 qualifications to choose from. If you’re not sure what the right apprenticeship or traineeship is for your business, an AASN can assist you in choosing the right qualification.

An apprenticehsip or traineeship can be considered completed once the employee, employer and Registerred Training Organisation (RTO) all agree that the requirements of an employees training plan has been met. The time it takes can vary largely, depending on the industry requirements, competence and skills, the ability of the employer to provide work experience in the range of competencies required, and the ability of the RTO to provide flexible training programs.

If you recommence an apprenticeship or traineeship (the same as your previous qualification), generally you will receive credit for previous service. If eligible credit is applied to, and may reduce, the nominal term of the apprenticeship or traineeship. The State Training Authority (STA) will determine the appropriate amount of 'time' credit applicable.

There are many incentives for employers to hire apprentices and trainees, and these are always evolving. As such, we recommend speaking to an Australian Apprentice Support Network (AASN) provider. Find out more here: What is an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN)?