Five advantages of apprenticeships and traineeships
Whether you’re looking to become a qualified tradesperson or want to gain hands-on experience in an area of interest, an apprenticeship or traineeship can provide a great pathway to your chosen career. There are many benefits to undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship — we list some of these below.
You earn while you learn
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine paid work with training, meaning you earn money while completing your qualification. You also benefit from working in an area of interest and have the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed for your chosen occupation in a real-world, practical setting. Apprentices also benefit from the federal government’s Trade Support Loans, which provide up to $20,808 over four years. These loans are designed to assist apprentices with the costs of completing their training, and like HELP loans for VET and uni students, are repaid through the taxation system.
You can choose from a wide variety of interests
There are more than 500 training opportunities on offer to apprentices and trainees, in areas such as agriculture, automotive, building and construction, business, food, hairdressing, information technology, and sport and recreation. Apprenticeships allow students to become qualified in a skilled trade, while traineeships offer vocational training in a range of different fields.
Training is flexible
Apprenticeships and traineeships can be completed full time or part time and there is no set period of time allocated to training. Instead, training is competency-based, meaning you finish your training once you have reached a certain skill level. Apprenticeships usually take between three to four years to complete; traineeships, on the other hand, usually last anywhere between six months and three years.
You will receive a nationally recognised qualification
In addition to practical work experience, apprentices and trainees also work towards gaining a nationally recognised VET qualification. This training is delivered at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as a TAFE institute or private college.
You can start them at school
Students have the opportunity to start an apprenticeship or traineeship while at school through a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. This program allows students to get a head start on future training before they graduate. Apprenticeships are usually completed after the student graduates from school, while traineeships may be completed during school or continued after graduation, depending on the qualification level. Increasingly, employers are expressing a preference for apprentices who have completed or are planning to complete Year 12. This makes school-based apprenticeships an attractive option for both parties.
