Choose an industry that you would like to establish a career in. Check that the qualification you are interested in completing can be undertaken as an apprenticeship or traineeship. Bendigo TAFE can help with this.

Step 2​

Find employment as an apprentice or trainee. You or your employer then contacts an Australian Apprenticeships Centre to organise signing your training contract. This is required by law to protect your rights and those of the employer. Once you are employed as an apprentice or trainee you will be able to access relevant training at Bendigo TAFE.

Other places to get information about industries and potential employers include your local Job Network Office, job search websites, newspapers, word-of-mouth among your friends and neighbours, writing to or approaching employers directly and Bendigo TAFE as we might know of employers interested in employing an apprentice or trainee in your area of interest.

​You can improve your chances of gaining an apprenticeship by undertaking a pre-apprenticeship course or studying vocational subjects in Years 10, 11 and 12.

A number of pre-apprenticeship courses are offered at Bendigo TAFE. You do not have to be employed to be eligible for a pre-apprenticeship course. Our pre-apprenticeship courses are an ideal way to:

• give you a competitive edge when applying for an apprenticeship because of the skills you have learned.
• establish contacts in the trade area of interest which is a good way of improving access to employment opportunities.

The BTEC campus [Bendigo Technical Education College] supports the Australian School Based Apprenticeship program by enabling young people to gain a vocational and technical qualification while completing their school studies. Australian School Based Apprenticeships are a great career option for students in Years 10, 11 and 12.

• You can finish Years 10, 11 and 12 while starting an apprenticeship.
• You are paid a training or apprentice wage for the time you spend ‘on-the-job’ with your employer.
• You are covered by a training contract, which links to an industrial award or agreement.

The Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program is undertaken as part of a senior secondary certificate that provides credit towards a nationally recognised qualification. VETiS is an alternative pathway which gives you the opportunity to complete industry focused training in addition to traditional school curriculum. Further details can be found here.

​Students are charged tuition, amenities and materials fees based on the course they are undertaking. If you have a valid concession card the standard fee may be reduced. In this case, you must bring the concession card with you when you enrol. In some cases, your employer may pay the fees or components of the fees in full. In this case you must present a letter of authorisation from your employer when you enrol.  See our Fees and Charges section for further information. 

The Australian Government provides a range of support for apprentices in the early years of their apprenticeship. These may include payments to you or your employer, for example:

• “Tools for Your Trade” payment for purchase of trade tools for eligible Australian apprentices
• Support for Adult Australian Apprentices payment initiative
• Living Away From Home Allowance
• Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY

The Australian Apprenticeship website provides comprehensive details on all current incentives, eligibility criteria and conditions as well as other assistance programs.

​See the Australian Apprenticeships Centre or Skills Victoria for more information or contact Bendigo TAFE on 1300 554 248 or email.

If you experience difficulties at any stage of your apprenticeship or traineeship, you should speak with your employer first, and you can contact the AAC or an Apprenticeship Field Officer for assistance..