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Overview of Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine structured ‘on’ and ‘off’ the job training with paid employment. The training is delivered by a Registered Training Organisation, such as Bendigo TAFE. Training and assessment for apprentices and trainees is extremely flexible at Bendigo TAFE. Programs are designed to meet the increasingly diverse needs of industry. The employer is involved in developing the program to ensure skill outcomes are relevant to their business and still meet the needs of the specific qualification

Apprenticeships lead to a recognised trade qualification and usually a nationally recognised Certificate III qualification. Traineeships lead to an industry nationally recognised qualification ranging from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma.

Both an apprenticeship and traineeship involve a contract where the employer agrees to employ the worker for the term of the apprenticeship/traineeship and support them in their training. The apprentice or trainee also agrees to participate in the structured training program and undertake all the requirements of that training program.

Under an apprenticeship:

Once the probationary period of the training contract has passed, any variations to the contract must be by mutual consent of all parties.
If the employer sells the business during the apprenticeship period, the new employer must continue with the training contract.

Under a traineeship:

Either party may vary the contract by signing a cancellation form or letter stating the date of cancellation. Mutual agreement is not required to cancel the contract.
If the business is sold, the new employer does not have to keep the employee on as a trainee.

Anyone of working age can become an apprentice or trainee (subject to certain citizenship or visa conditions). You need to be employed, and registered as either an apprentice or a trainee. If you are under the age of 18 a parent or guardian must also sign the contract. Registrations are done through the Australian Apprenticeship Centre.

You may be surprised by who could benefit from an apprenticeship or traineeship. Are you:

Young and looking for a way to start your career?

Apprenticeships and traineeships are a way to kick start your career.

Employed in the industry but lacking the right skills?

Some employers are willing to train someone they already employ as an apprentice or trainee, if you don’t have some of the skills their industry requires. In this situation, both you and your employer benefit.

Wanting to move into a new industry?

If you are already employed and want to enter a new field of employment, apprenticeships and traineeships can offer you a pathway for moving into a new industry confident in knowing that when you start your new career you will have the support of a structured training program.

A mature worker?

Apprenticeships and traineeships are not only for the school leaver. Mature workers are known for their ability to bring commitment and experience to their industry, which has been recognised by the increasing numbers of older workers undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship. Apprenticeships and traineeships operate in exactly the same way for all ages.

Still at school?

If you are still at school you may have developed an interest in an industry, but would like to finish your VCE or VCAL. Under a school based apprenticeship or traineeship, you will spend time at school, time with your employer, and some time doing training with a TAFE or training provider.

Bendigo TAFE offers a range of courses that support apprenticeships and traineeships. Our course search function includes an Apprentice or Trainee flag so you can see at a glance which courses can be studied as apprenticeships or traineeships.

For secondary students in Years 10, 11 and 12, Bendigo Technical Educational College (BTEC) supports delivery of school based apprenticeships. BTEC also offers trade focused pathways for Years 10, 11 and 12 students through VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) and VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education).