An apprenticeship or traineeship is a training contract between an employer and an employee in which the apprentice or trainee learns the skills needed for a particular occupation or trade.On this page you'll find information about:
> What kind of jobs can I do?
> What's the difference?
> Links
What kind of jobs can I do?
There's a huge range of jobs that you can take up through an apprenticeship or traineeship. Here's just a small sample
- Jockey
- Plumber
- Florist
- Personal assistant
- Engineer
We've got some interviews with apprentices in our Career profiles section - check them out to get a feel for what's possible for apprentices and trainees.
What's the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?
Some industries - such as automotive - offer both traineeships and apprenticeships. The main difference between apprentices and trainees is the level of commitment made by the apprentice or trainee and the employer. Skills Victoria (new window) gives a good overview of the difference between the two systems, which is summarised below.
Under an apprenticeship:
- An employer agrees to employ you for the term of the apprenticeship and to support you in your training for that period of time
- You agree to follow instruction and attend off-the-job and/or workplace-based training
- If your employer sells the business during your apprenticeship, the new employer must continue with the training contract
- Once the probationary period of the training contract has passed, all parties must agree in order for the contract to be cancelled
Under a traineeship:
- An employer agrees to employ you for the term of the traineeship and to support you in your training for that period of time
- You agree to follow instruction and attend structured training
- If the business is sold, the new employer does not have to keep you on as a trainee
- Either the employer or trainee can cancel the contract without mutual agreement
Links
Skills Victoria - Apprentices and Trainees
A range of guides and resources about apprenticeships and traineeships in Victoria.
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.
JET Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Good source of information on apprenticeships and traineeships, including a listing of positions available.
