Frequently Asked Questions - Apprentices

Generally, courses in the traditional trades — such as carpentry, construction, and hairdressing — are delivered as apprenticeships. Training in newer or non-traditional vocational areas, such as aged care or information technology, is usually offered as a traineeship.

Both are nationally recognised and form part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Traineeships were introduced as vocational education expanded beyond the traditional trades, providing opportunities across a wider range of industries.

For both pathways, the skills and knowledge you're required to learn are set out in an industry-endorsed training package.

If you're looking for a simple way to tell the difference, the time taken to complete each qualification is a helpful guide:

• Apprenticeships generally take up to four years full-time.
• Traineeships typically range from 12 to 24 months full-time.

Both can be completed on a part-time basis.

Pre-apprenticeships let you experience what it's like to work in an industry before making the commitment to become an apprentice. Think of them as entry-level training — a great way to figure out what's right for you and get started in your career of choice.

Why do one?

A pre-apprenticeship can help improve your literacy and numeracy skills if needed. It can also set you up with basic on-the-job skills and essential learning related to your industry, which can make you a great candidate for apprenticeship roles in future.

You don't have to complete a pre-apprenticeship before starting an apprenticeship or traineeship. But in some industries, employers may favour people who have completed pre-apprenticeship training.

What can I study at TasTAFE?

Our pre-apprenticeship courses (Certificate II) teach you the basics of your chosen industry, including the theory and practical skills needed to lay the foundations of a successful career.

• AHC20122 — Certificate II in Agriculture
• ACM20121 — Certificate II in Animal Care
• AUR20720 — Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation
• FBP20221 — Certificate II in Baking
• RII20720 — Certificate II in Civil Construction
• CPC20220 — Certificate II in Construction Pathways
• SIT20421 — Certificate II in Cookery
• UEE22020 — Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
• MEM20422 — Certificate II in Engineering Pathways
• AHC20422 — Certificate II in Horticulture
• SIT20322 — Certificate II in Hospitality
• AMP20117 — Certificate II in Meat Processing (Food Services)
• 22701VIC — Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)
• RII20120 — Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation
• SHB20216 — Certificate II in Salon Assistant
• FBP20521 — Certificate II in Wine Industry Operations

If you're in Years 10–12, an Australian School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (ASbA) lets you earn while you learn. You combine paid employment as an apprentice or trainee with training and school, getting a head start on your chosen career.

An ASbA allows you to:

• continue school and complete your Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)
• earn a nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification at Certificate II or III level
• gain workplace experience in paid employment.

How it works

• You'll need approval from your parent or guardian, your school, and an employer.
• You'll work at least 7.5 hours a week during school term. During school holidays you can work extra hours.
• The rest of your time is spent at school and at a training organisation.
• An ASbA can take between 1 and 7 years to complete. If you pick a longer apprenticeship, you can finish it after you graduate.

There are various qualifications available. Talk to your school careers advisor to find out what's offered near you.

More information is on the Department for Education, Children and Young People website.

You can start an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are:

• over 18 years old, or have approval from a guardian if you're under 18
• an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• seeking an apprenticeship with full-time or part-time hours
• still at school (known as an Australian School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship, or ASbA).

Temporary residents and visa holders may be able to start an apprenticeship if they meet specific skills listed by the Department of Home Affairs.

Who pays for training

In some cases your employer will cover the cost of your training; in others you may be required to cover it yourself. Most modern industrial awards state who is responsible. Check the TasTAFE fee schedule if the cost falls to you.

It's also important to find out whether you're expected to purchase some or all of your tools and resources. Policies differ between workplaces and costs vary. Talk to your employer for details.

Financial support

As an Australian Apprentice, you may be eligible for financial and non-financial support from the Australian and Tasmanian Governments. The easiest way to check is the Apprenticeships Incentives Explorer, or speak to your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider.

Trade Support Loans can also help with everyday costs while you complete your apprenticeship or traineeship.

One of the biggest benefits of being an apprentice is the range of support available to you — from your employer, your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider, and TasTAFE.

Your employer

Your employer should be your first point of contact if you need support. They can help you with everything to do with your job, and help you understand your training with extra supervision. It's their responsibility to make sure you're competent in completing tasks, and you can always ask questions or request a demonstration from your supervisor.

Your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider

Providers employ field officers as a free national service to support you throughout your apprenticeship. They're your main point of contact if you need something your employer can't provide. You should already have a contact from your sign-up process — if you're unsure who that is, search for a provider.

They can help with:

• career advice and matching services, whether you're unsure which qualification to study or you're looking for the right employer
• advice on managing your journey and understanding your obligations, including if you want to change qualification or employer
• personalised in-training support, which may include pastoral care, mentoring, counselling, career guidance, conflict resolution, and referral to specialist services
• expert advice on eligibility for additional support and incentives.

TasTAFE

We provide free and confidential support services for all students experiencing personal or financial issues, whether you've just begun your training or are nearing completion.

Call 1300 655 307 to request an appointment, or use our Student Support Bookings system. Our staff can meet you at a time and place that suits you. If you have a disability and need support with your learning, call 1300 655 307 and ask to speak with the Disability Liaison Officer in your region.

Apprentices and trainees can also access academic support, including in-class support and drop-in study support on campus. Find out more about student support services.

Other people who can help

You don't have to do this on your own — colleagues at work, careers advisors and staff at your training organisation, and your parents and friends are all there to support you.

Some qualifications require intensive periods of block training (usually a two-week period) at a TasTAFE campus. That campus may be in a different part of the state to where you work.

Travel and accommodation contributions are available to Tasmanian apprentices and trainees who need to travel, within Tasmania or interstate, to attend training with their Registered Training Organisation. These contributions help with the cost but may not cover it in full, and are only available to apprentices and trainees on a training contract registered in Tasmania.

You may also be able to access on-site accommodation at TasTAFE's Alanvale (Launceston), Burnie, and Clarence (Hobart) campuses.

It makes sense that you should be recognised for the things you already know how to do.

TasTAFE can assess your skills and knowledge based on your previous education, work history, or life experience. This may help you gain your qualification — and finish your apprenticeship or traineeship — a whole lot faster.

Every apprentice's background is different, so this is assessed case by case.

What to do next

Talk to your TasTAFE teacher, or Client Central at your local campus. They can guide you through the recognition process and advise what evidence is required. It's also a good idea to talk with your employer, so everyone understands how this may affect your training plan.

Completing an Australian Apprenticeship isn't a guarantee of a job, but successfully finishing your training puts you in a great position.

Many employers are keen to retain their best apprentices and trainees. If you do find yourself job hunting once your qualification is complete, your skills, experience, and industry connections will put you ahead of the pack.

Three to four years might seem like a long time, but remember — you're working towards becoming fully qualified, getting hands-on experience, and being paid while you do it.