All About Apprenticeships
The most up-to date information about apprenticeships is available at: http://www.getatrade.gov.au/. It has answers to all your FAQs and links to more career info.
So, what's the deal with Apprenticeships?
When you start an Apprenticeship, you'll enter a formal agreement known as a ‘Training Agreement or Contract of Training'. This agreement basically covers the training, support and supervision the employer will provide.
When you enter the ‘Training Agreement', you are basically agreeing to learn all aspects of the occupation or area of training and to work for the employer for a set amount of time. The combination of this ‘productive work' and training can vary to suit your employer's needs and your needs. It'll be sorted out before you start an Apprenticeship.
When you finish an Apprenticeship, you will receive a nationally recognised qualification. This means you can, if you wish, move on to your next employer with a record of your achievements in hand.
Under an Apprenticeship, the time you have to complete the training is generally flexible. While maximum periods are set, there is an opportunity to learn at your own pace to make sure that you have the skills you need before you move on to the next level.
Part-time traineeships are also being developed in several industries under the guise of Apprenticeships. These types of traineeships provide entry-level job opportunities, which may lead to higher level programs after further training.
There are some differences in what happens in Apprenticeships between States and Territories. You can find out more information by visiting the following websites:
New South Wales: http://apprenticeship.det.nsw.edu.au/index1.htm
Australian Capital Territory: www.decs.act.gov.au/services/training.htm
Northern Territory: www.nt.gov.au/nteta/
Queensland: www.detir.qld.gov.au/vetinfo/home.html
South Australia: http://www.employment.sa.gov.au/employ/
Tasmania: http://www.ovet.tas.gov.au/
Western Australia: www.apprenticeships.training.wa.gov.au/
