In most cases, an apprenticeship relates to a trade industry qualification, for example carpentry, electrical, plumbing, cooking, hairdressing, automotive or engineering. Traineeships generally cover non-trade certificate qualifications for example retail, hospitality, business, IT, tourism and much more. There are hundreds of options to choose from and you can check these out in our A-Z Guide.

No, while engaged as a sub-contractor or casual employee, a person cannot be signed up as an apprentice or trainee. Your business will need to employ all apprentices or trainees under the required PAYG tax withholding, super and fringe benefits tax obligations.

Full time apprenticeships will take between 36 to 60 months, depending on the apprentice and how quickly they complete the competencies. An apprentice will undertake qualifications from Cert Level III to Advanced Diploma. Full time traineeships will take between 12 and 24 months, undertaking qualifications from Cert Level II to Advanced Diploma. Recognition of prior learning, on the job learning and formal or informal experience can all contribute towards competency and completion of the qualification.

Choosing the correct qualification depends on your business needs, the qualifications held by your industry and the prior skills of your prospective apprentice or trainee. The Apprenticeship Community can assist you to make the right choice based on your needs. There are currently over 600 qualifications to choose from and you can find more information in our A-Z Guide. A helpful online resource can also be found at www.myfuture.gov.au

Pay rates for apprentices and trainees vary depending on industry, the qualification they are undertaking and the award that your business employs staff under. You can find pay rates at www.fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94.

Certain subsidies are available through the State Government, and the Australian Government also offers a range of financial incentives – eligibility criteria applies. These may assist you to cover wages and training related costs. The Apprenticeship Community can provide further information and assist with subsidy claims for your business.

Choosing a suitable training provider is important and an Apprenticeship Community consultant can assist by providing a list of suitable Registered Training Organisations for you and your apprentice or trainee to choose from.

The training provider develops the Training Plan, provides the formal training and assesses your apprentice or trainee for the duration of the training.

TAFE is a public provider but there are many private Registered Training Organisations as well, offering a range of industry qualifications. These are offered either as a fee-for-service basis or are Government funded under the User Choice program.

We can assist you if you would like to amend or cancel your apprentice’s or trainee’s contract information.

Once all required competencies have been completed, you will need to contact your training provider so that you (as the employer), the apprentice/trainee and your training provider can sign a completion agreement, stating that all training and assessment required under the Training Plan has been completed. The training provider then submits the signed agreement to the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training to issue the certificate of completion.