Apprenticeship/Traineeship Questions & Answers for Students

What is a school based Apprenticeship/Traineeship?

If you are in Year 10, 11 or 12 you are able to undertake an Apprenticeship/Traineeship qualification while finishing your Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) at senior secondary school.

This offers a mix of academic, vocational and technical education and skills training with paid employment. Working hours and training attendance are negotiated between you, your employer, your school and the Skills Institute.

Do Apprenticeships/Traineeships offer good employment prospects?

A recent survey found that nine months after completing their training:
90.1% of trade Apprentices found work, compared to 73.4% of those who did not complete their training.

Trade Apprentices/Trainees who graduate earn $52,500 per year on average, while $40,700 is the average for those who do not. Non-trade Apprentices/Trainees who complete their training earn $45,900 on average.

These statistics are from the Inaugural Apprentice and Trainee Destination Survey conducted by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

How to I find an Apprenticeship/Traineeship position?

In addition to finding a job vacancy, you will also need to find an employer willing to sponsor your training at the Skills Institute. Gaining a position as an Apprentice/Trainee is competitive and you need to be prepared to go through an application process. Update your resume and research the industry you are interested in to impress potential employers.

You can contact the Skills Institute Apprenticeship/Traineeship Co-ordinators, visit employers (make an appointment first!), see your school’s Career Advisor, check the Job Network website, visit a New Apprenticeship Centre, read the newspaper classifieds and talk to friends and family.

What is Group Training as provided by a Group Training Organisation?

Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employ Apprentices/Trainees under an employment and training contract and then place them with host employers. The GTO undertakes the employer responsibilities such as ensuring the quality and continuity of employment and training. The GTO also provides support services necessary for the successful completion of Apprentice/Trainee training. Partnering with a GTO improves the quality and breadth of training available to Apprentices/Trainees in small and medium sized businesses. For more information see http://www.skills.tas.gov.au/providers/gtos/about

What are the benefits of being a mature age Apprentice/Trainee?

If you are a mature age Apprentice/Trainee you can have your existing skills and experience recognised which means you can complete your qualification sooner. If seeking a promotion, training will allow you to re-energise or re-invent your career. If changing careers, an Apprenticeship/Traineeship will give you the practical vocational skills that are sought after by industry.