Do an apprenticeship or traineeship

Gain hands-on skills, earn a wage and get a qualification

What is an apprenticeship or traineeship?
What’s the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?
Which industries offer apprenticeships or traineeships?
Can I do an apprenticeship or traineeship at school?
Can I do an apprenticeship or traineeship later in my career?
How do I get started with an apprenticeship or traineeship?
Career success stories
More free help and resources

What is an apprenticeship or traineeship?

Apprenticeships and traineeships give you the chance to learn on the job while studying. You’ll work in a real workplace and get paid a wage.

At the same time, you will be studying a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course through a TAFE or training provider. This means that on completion you’ll gain a nationally recognised qualification.

What’s the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships take between 4 and 6 plus years to complete.

Apprenticeships are in skilled trades such as:

automotive
building
cookery
electrical
hairdressing.

Traineeships

Traineeships vary in duration and can take 1 to 4 years to complete.

Traineeships are in a wider range of occupations vocational areas such as:

business administration
childcare
information technology
retail
health.

Both apprenticeships and traineeships combine what you learn on the job with coursework at a registered training organisation.

Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships on the Apprenticeships Victoria(opens in a new window) website.

Which industries offer apprenticeships or traineeships?

A wide range of industries offer apprenticeships and traineeships. Some areas you can choose from include:

automotive
building and construction
business and administrative services
electricity, gas and water services
electrotechnology and engineering
food services
hairdressing and salon services
horticulture and nursery
signage and graphics.

Can I do an apprenticeship or traineeship at school?

If you’re at school, you can do an apprenticeship or traineeship as part of your senior secondary schooling. This is known as a school based apprenticeship (SBAT).

You will need to balance your time between your workplace, classes with your TAFE or training provider, and your school classes.

Find out more about SBATs on the Headstart apprenticeships and traineeships website.

Also see our TAFE and training as part of your secondary schooling page to learn about other ways to do vocational education at school.

Can I do an apprenticeship or traineeship later in my career?

You can start an apprenticeship or traineeship at any stage of your career. This includes after you have left school, or later on in your career.

How do I get started with an apprenticeship or traineeship?

To find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships visit:

Victorian Registration & Qualifications Authority

Find out what you need to know about apprenticeships and traineeships, from finding opportunities to receiving your trade paper.

Apprenticeships Victoria

Explore resources on why to do an apprenticeship or traineeship, how to get started, and where you can get support and advice.

Head Start school-based apprenticeships and traineeships

If you’re a school student, find out how you can do an apprenticeship or traineeship as part of your senior secondary education.

Victorian Government traineeship program

If you’re a young person you can apply for a traineeship to gain work experience and qualifications in the Victorian public sector.

VicRoads car registration discounts for trade apprentices

If you’re a trade apprentice using your vehicle for work, you may be eligible for a discount on your registration.

Australian Apprenticeships

Get support and advice on how to become an apprentice or trainee, and what to expect during your apprenticeship.

Financial support for apprentices

Find out what financial and non-financial support you could be eligible for as an apprentice. This could include a living away from home allowance, loans and incentives.

Australian Government Indigenous Apprenticeships Program

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, find out how you can start your career in the Australian Public Service.

Disability Employment Services

If you have a disability, get support with finding an apprenticeship or employment in your area.

Australian Defence Force trade careers

Start your career in the Navy, Army or Air Force. ADF offer apprenticeships in traditional trades and military-specific specialist skills.

Career success stories

Case study - Libby de Jong

Libby’s life as a new mum and first-year apprentice

“I’ve found a much better work-life balance in the construction industry. I feel like every hour that I work I’m valued. I think as a female you do bring something different to the table.”

Rebecca Hope case study

Rebecca opens doors with a business traineeship

“The trainers at TAFE were really supportive and able to teach in a way that suited my needs. I recommend the traineeship pathway to people with disabilities because we learn best by doing things.”

Greg Cole case study

Career gold mine: Greg’s tips to master a metal trade

“There’s a real shortage of skilled trades across the board. We’re looking for people who are mechanically minded. Manufacturing is an evolving industry, you can really be whatever you want to be.”

Thomas Patterson case study

The right person for the right job: Tom’s teaching journey

“VET teachers and students are hands-on people – we’re constructors, that’s how we learn. The lessons are so concrete and real. As a young person, to find your place is a beautiful thing.”

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