You apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship in the same way that you apply for a job. But first you need to find that job.
This page has information about lots of different ways to find an employer to take you on as an apprentice or trainee, including:
> Australian Apprenticeships Centres
> Advertised job vacancies
> Employers in the industry
> Group training organisations
> Centrelink
> Job Services Australia
> The Australian Apprenticeships Access Program
> School careers advisers
> The Australian Defence Force
> Links
Australian Apprenticeships Centres
A good place to start is your local Australian Apprenticeships Centre (new window). Search their site or call the Skilling Australia phone number on 13 38 73 (local call cost).
Advertised job vacancies
Searching online, registering with a job website and browsing newspaper classifieds is a well-worn way to look for work, but it works. Try:
- Checking local and national newspapers
- Searching online
- Using the Australian Job Search (new window)
Check out our How to find a Job section for more on how to track those job vacancies down.
Employers in the industry
Let people know that you're looking for an apprenticeship or traineeship. Someone might know someone who can help. Once you have some names and contact details, you can find out if those employers are taking on apprentices or trainees. Even if they aren't they might know someone who is.
- Use your contacts
- When you hear of a potential lead, get the name and contact details
- Go ahead and give them a call
- Try some work experience with an employer in your chosen industry
- Make sure you get paid for any trial work
You could also try approaching employers directly, but brush up on your cold calling skills before you start.
Group Training Organisations
If you register with a Group Training Organisation, they'll try to find apprentice or trainee placements for you.
Some of these organisations specialise in a particular industry and others work with a range of industries in their regional area. When you sign up, you're officially employed by them, so they do all the paperwork relating to things like your wages and superannuation.
To find a Group Training Organisation near you, go to the Group Training Australia website (new window).
Centrelink
Centrelink Career Information Centres are a free service available to everyone. You can:
- Talk to trained staff who can help you make decisions about a career path using an apprenticeship and traineeship
- Access information and resources on different industries
- Find out about the types of courses provided by colleges, TAFEs and universities
- Search for employment opportunities
- Get help with your résumé or job application
Visit the Centrelink website (new window) for more information.
Job Services Australia
Job Services Australia was established in July 2009 as the successor to the Job Network program. If you go to Centrelink and register as a job seeker, they'll tell you about JSA services and can also help you to find a JSA provider in your local area.
You can talk to your JSA provider about your work experience or training, and the type of apprenticeship or traineeship you want. They will work with you until you get an apprenticeship or traineeship.
You can find out more on 13 17 64 or visit the Job Services Australia website (new window).
Australian Apprenticeships Access Program
If you're eligible, you can take advantage of this free government service to skill up, work out what you want and then find an apprenticeship. Visit the Australian Apprenticeships Access Program website (new window) for more information about who can apply.
School careers advisers
If you’re at school, careers advisers can give you information and resources about a particular industry and related work experience. They might even know some employers who could take you on as an apprentice or trainee.
Australian Defence Force
If you join the Australian Navy, Army or Air Force, they'll organise an apprenticeship for you. The qualification you'll receive is nationally recognised - not just in the military but everywhere else in Australia.
Before signing up for this type of apprenticeship, you should get all the facts on what you're committing to, like the required time commitment and all the possible obligations and responsibilities that come from serving in the armed forces.
Visit the Defence Jobs website for more information about the range of opportunities and how to apply (new window).
Links
Skills Victoria - Apprentices and Trainees
A range of guides and resources about apprenticeships and traineeships in Victoria.
Group Training Australia
Visit the Victorian branch to find a group training organisation in your area.
Australian Apprenticeships
The Federal Government's apprenticeships and traineeships scheme (formerly New Apprenticeships).
Australian Apprenticeships Training Info Centre
A searchable database of apprenticeships currently available nationally.
Centrelink
Find out where your nearest office is located or browse information on payments and services for apprentices and trainees.
Job Services Australia
A guide to choosing, finding and registering with a Job Services Australia provider for job search support.
Defence Jobs
Search for job opportunities and explore your education options in trades within the Navy, Army and Air Force.
JET Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Good source of information on apprenticeships and traineeships, including a listing of positions available.
