An Apprenticeship or a Traineeship is an opportunity to earn an income while you work in a job, learn new skills and progress towards achieving an industry-recognised qualification.
Apprenticeships can last for up to 4 years depending on the qualification level, and how quickly you become competent in all aspects of the trade. Apprenticeships are now “competency-based”, which means that you can complete your apprenticeship as soon as you complete your TAFE training, and you are assessed as competent on the job.
Traineeships can last for up to 2 years, and are also competency-based.
The length of training varies according to the qualification. If you already have some relevant skills you can receive credit for them, and reduce the time you need to spend on training for your qualification.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships use a mixture of on and off-the-job training. Apprenticeships Plus places you with a Host Employer where you work under the supervision of a qualified person. Off-the-job training is delivered by a TAFE, or another accredited provider called a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Employers and TAFEs/RTOs are selected for their ability to provide you with quality training. A field officer from Apprenticeships Plus will also monitor your progress to make sure you are getting the training you require and that your Host Employer provides a supportive workplace.
Training is based on skills which are of practical use in the workplace. It can occur totally on the job, or as a combination of on and off-the-job training. It is also flexible and can be tailored to reflect the apprentice or trainee's existing skills, personal interests, and specific skills relating to a business.
Any one can be an apprentice or a trainee. Most are school leavers, but many are older people looking to change their careers, or re-entering the workforce. We even have part-time apprenticeships and traineeships for students still at school.
Apprenticeships Plus offers training and employment in a wide range of industries and jobs. From traditional apprenticeships in areas like Engineering and Automotive, to traineeships in Education and Health & Community Services. Many vocations offer the opportunity for part-time work, if you need flexible work hours to meet demands such as caring for relatives or looking after children.
Apprenticeships Plus apprentices and trainees are paid under the relevant Award for your industry. Some Host Employers have Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs), and where they are in place apprentices and trainees are paid accordingly.
At the end of your apprenticeship or traineeship you will have a range of new skills and valuable workplace experience. You will also have a nationally recognised qualification. You will be on your way to an exciting new career!
When you become an apprentice or trainee with Apprenticeships Plus we provide support, advice and assistance with your work placement and training. We ensure that you work in a safe workplace, and that your workplace safety stays a priority. You get the best possible training. Apprenticeships Plus ensures that you are treated fairly at work and at TAFE, and that your rights under equal opportunity legislation are upheld.
As a job seeker, you are keen and willing to work, but employers also want experience. An apprenticeship or traineeship brings job seekers and employers together, with Apprenticeships Plus ensuring that both parties' needs are met. We are able to assist in the resolution of problems between Host Employers and apprentices or trainees, by listening to both parties and providing suggestions as to how to solve any issues.
If you obtain a job through Apprenticeships Plus you may work with several different Host Employers. This generally applies more to apprenticeships than traineeships, and is due to some employers not being able to supply enough work to keep the apprentice busy, or not having all the equipment to teach the apprentice all he/she needs to know. The rotation from one Host Employer to another is based on ensuring that you get the widest and most complete range of skills in your vocation as is possible, which will help you to gain a permanent job as a fully qualified tradesperson.
The benefits are:Under the Training Contract which Skills Victoria requires all apprentices and trainees to sign, your employer agrees to regularly assess your level of skills, provide you with on-the-job training and supervision, and allow you the time to attend off-the-job training if required. When you sign a Training Contract you must abide by the rules of the agreement and participate in all necessary training, both off and on-the-job.
Once you have completed your Apprenticeship or Traineeship you can continue in further study or look for permanent employment using your new skills. Many of our apprentices and trainees gain employment as permanent staff with their Host Employer. The opportunities that are open to you are determined by your efforts and your ambition - the sky is the limit!