• What are apprenticeships and traineeships?
• What is a contract of training?
• How do I become an apprentice or trainee?

WHAT ARE APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS?

Apprenticeships and traineeships are available in a wide range of industries and are open to people of any age. Training is usually conducted both on-the-job (ie at the workplace) and off-the-job (eg at TAFE SA). Whilst you are undertaking an apprenticeship or a traineeship you are called an apprentice or trainee.

TAFE SA delivers the majority of the off-the-job training for traineeships and apprenticeships.

An apprenticeship or traineeship is an opportunity for you to undertake structured training, and gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst you are undertaking paid employment.

Apprenticeships have been in existence for many years and have traditionally been focused on trade related areas such as automotive, building, construction and hairdressing which are generally four years in duration. Traineeships are similar to apprenticeships but they are offered in a huge range of declared vocations and generally only last for a period of one to two years.

Apprenticeships and traineeships can be offered flexibly. Part-time and school-based apprenticeships and traineeships are now available.

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), TAFE SA can be nominated to deliver the off-the-job training for traineeships and apprenticeships. Information on traineeships and apprenticeships is available from www.employment.sa.gov.au or by contacting the Traineeship and Apprenticeships Information Line on freecall 1800 673 097.

WHAT IS A TRAINING CONTRACT?

When you undertake an apprenticeship or a traineeship you will be employed under a contract of training. A contract of training is a legal agreement between a trainee/apprentice and an employer which is approved by the Training and Skills Commission. Under the training contract both you and your employer have rights and obligations with which you must both comply.

What will I get out of it?
A nationally recognised qualification and real-life experience in the workplace! There is also an increased potential for greater income and a solid foundation for the future.

HOW DO I BECOME AN APPRENTICE OR TRAINEE?

In order to undertake an apprenticeship/traineeship you need to find an employer who is willing to employ and train you in a particular vocation. Employers need to be registered by the Training and Skills Commission before taking on a training contract. Organisations such as Group Training Companies are large employers of apprentices and trainees and will negotiate with employers to host you in their workplace during your training contract.

Assistance with job seeking can be obtained from the following employment and training programs.

Group training companies
Group training companies employ people under contracts of training and hire them out to host employers. Some of these companies are industry focused and others are generic regional schemes, however all are equal opportunity employers. For further information visit www.grouptraining.com.au or phone freecall 1800 819 747.

Recruitment is conducted directly by the individual companies.

Job Services Australia
Job Services Australia is a network of private and community organisations dedicated to assisting job seekers.

For further information visit www.deewr.gov.au or phone 13 62 68.

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