Apprenticeships & Traineeships
Build the skills employers want and get paid while you're learning.
Start your career while you're studying
If you can't wait to get into the workforce, then an Apprenticeship or Traineeship may be right for you. Studying a Pre-apprenticeship, Apprenticeship, or Traineeship gives you the opportunity to start your career while you're training. You'll work for an employer and learn on the job, while also completely additional training at GOTAFE.
Read on to find out more about Apprenticeships and Traineeships, or check out our top 10 tips to set yourself up for success below.
Read our top 10 tips for apprenticeships and traineeshipsApprenticeship / Traineeship explained
An Apprenticeship or Traineeship is a contract between an employer and employee where the apprentice or trainee receives on-the-job workplace-based training. An Apprenticeship or Traineeship allows you to combine formal training from GOTAFE with on-the-job training from an employer, meaning you can apply new skills as you learn them.
You can complete your training on a full-time or part-time schedule, and you can even begin your Apprenticeship before you finish school. Apprentices learn valuable, nationally recognised skills, and many use their training as a foot-in-the-door to beginning a career in their chosen industry.
Apprenticeships are generally skilled trades, and take a number of years to complete before you're fully qualified to work independently. Traineeships cover a broader range of occupations (such as business and IT), and are usually completed within one to two years.
Jumpstart your career while you're still at school
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) offer the ability to combine a senior secondary program with part-time employment, training towards a nationally accredited qualification, and continuing your school education. By undertaking an SBAT you can incorporate training and work into your learning, earn money, and gain valuable hands-on skills in your chosen field.
Learn more about SBATs
Apprenticeships and Traineeships offered at GOTAFE
We have specialised training programs for apprentices and trainees across a wide range of industries, including:
- Hospitality, Cooking & Baking
- Automotive Mechanical Technology (including Light, Heavy Vehicle, and Motorcycle)
- Outdoor Power Equipment, Automotive Refinishing, and Vehicle Body Repair Technology
- Engineering (Fabrication & Mechanical)
- Cabinet Making, Carpentry & Joinery
- Marine Craft Construction & Composite Trades
- Glass & Glazing
- Plumbing
- Electrotechnology, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration
- Hairdressing & Beauty
- Equine (National Centre for Equine Education)
Frequently asked questions
How do I become an Apprentice?
The first step to starting your Apprenticeship or Traineeship is to find an employer. Your employer must be willing to take on an apprentice or trainee and commit the time to providing you with proper training and instruction.
Completing a Pre-Apprenticeship can increase your chances of finding an employer—you'll learn the practical skills you'll need in the workforce, which makes you stand out and shows you're committed to the industry.
Once you've found an employer, they will need to register you with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider (AASN), who will organise a training contract, register you on the Apprenticeships database, and assign you a DELTA number (an official registration of your Apprenticeship).
Once you have your DELTA number, get in touch with us to talk about your Apprenticeship and organise your enrolment.
I'm still at school - can I start my Apprenticeship now?
You can start your Apprenticeship even if you're still completing your VCE or VCAL qualifications.
Under a school-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship, you will split your time between school, working with your employer, and undertaking training onsite at GOTAFE.
Talk to your school's careers adviser about starting a school-based apprenticeship, or get in touch with us for more information.
I'm struggling in my first year of the Apprenticeship, where can I get help?
Apprenticeship support officers give guidance to all apprentices aged 15 to 24 in the first year of their apprenticeship. They offer advice on personal and workplace issues.
Support Officers - Help for ApprenticeshipsAre there any discounts or loans I can get as an Apprentice?
Yes!
For instance, trade apprentices may be eligible for a 50% discount on a 12-month car registration. This is a saving of up to $408.20.
Have a look at some of the things on offerPre-Apprenticeships
A Pre-Apprenticeship course prepares you for the workforce by teaching you the hands-on skills you'll be using day-to-day as an apprentice or trainee.
Pre-Apprenticeships are not mandatory, but they do have a number of benefits:
- Learn basic skills to help you succeed in your Apprenticeship;
- Get exposure to your chosen industry before you commit to a full Apprenticeship;
- Show future employers that you're committed and passionate about the industry; and
- In some instances, reduce the length of a formal Apprenticeship.
A Pre-Apprenticeship is tied to a Certificate II in your chosen industry, but unlike a formal Apprenticeship, you don't need to have an employer before you start the course. You can complete a Pre-Apprenticeship at a training provider such as GOTAFE, or as part of your VCE or VCAL studies if you're still at school.
Browse Pre-apprenticeship Courses