Thinking about becoming an apprentice or trainee?
Whether you're a student or school leaver eager to step into work after school, or a current student aiming to blend education with real-world experience, an apprenticeship or traineeship could be your perfect next move.
Apprenticeships and traineeships blend hands-on experience with real-world learning. You'll earn a wage, gain confidence, and get qualified in a field you're passionate about!
Fast track your career with in-demand skills
Master the practical skills that employers value through an apprenticeship or traineeship.
A ton of jobs to choose from
Explore a huge range of job opportunities across different industries and jobs.
Learn from industry experts
Gain hands-on experience and insider knowledge from the people who are experts in their trades.
Get paid while you learn
With an apprenticeship or traineeship, you earn money while furthering your education.
Study on your terms
Flexible study schedules can fit to suit your lifestyle.
Discover apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships are the perfect way to combine hands-on training with formal education through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) like TAFE.
Whether you're passionate about working with your hands or want to thrive in the business or service sectors, these pathways can fast-track your journey to a fulfilling and well-paying job.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a career pathway that blends paid, on-the-job training with classroom learning:
- Typically takes 3 to 4 years to complete
- Includes formal study (around 2–3 days per week)
Leads to qualifications in high-demand industries like:
- Building & construction
- Commercial cookery
- Automotive
- Engineering & manufacturing
- Electrical & plumbing
- ...and many more!
What is a traineeship?
A traineeship is a great option if you're interested in professional or service-based careers. They combine work experience with flexible study options including full-time or part-time options.
- Usually completed in 1 to 2 years
- Offers opportunities to grow your skills and build a professional network
- Opens doors to roles in industries like:
- Business administration
- Retail
- Community services & health
- Childcare
- Hair & beauty
- Financial services
- ...and so much more!
Did you know
83%
of VET graduates were employed after training
VNDA data, 2024
93%
agree apprenticeships/traineeships provide better job prospects
MEGT research
42%
By 2026 it is projected that 42% of employment growth will be in jobs with VET pathways
Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024
Who can be an apprentice or trainee?
School students
Ready to get a head start on your career? A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship lets you earn while you learn, gaining valuable real-world experience and practical skills while still at school.
This is the perfect opportunity to test the waters in your chosen industry, build your resume early, and jumpstart a successful career before you even graduate. Get paid, gain confidence, and stand out from the crowd with a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship!
School leavers
A full-time apprenticeship or traineeship is the perfect way to earn money while gaining in-demand skills and real-world experience — all without student debt. Plus, you’ll be building your resume and professional network from day one.
Career builders
If you’re a qualified apprentice or trainee, keep growing your skills to stay ahead in today’s competitive job market. Upskilling helps you stand out, unlock higher-paid job opportunities, and opens doors to exciting new career paths.
Want to be your own boss someday? Upskilling could be the perfect first step towards starting your own business.
Career changer
Thinking about a career change? An apprenticeship or traineeship is your ticket to gaining hands-on experience and building new skills in a completely different industry. You could transition into a rewarding new career — no matter your background!
Who is involved in an apprenticeship?
Apprentice
The new or existing employee getting on-the-job skills complimented by formal lessons.
Employer
Hires the apprentice and provides support, training and supervision.
MEGT
As an Apprentice Connect Provider, we provide Apprenticeship Support Services to Australian Apprentices and employers.
Parents/guardians
An apprentice under 18 years old at commencement will need a parent/guardian to sign the training contract.
Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Delivers training, conducts assessments and issues qualifications certificates.
State Training Authority
All state and territory governments must register national training contracts.
Group Training Organisation (GTO)
Sometimes a GTO will employ the apprentice and place them with host employers onsite.
Federal Government
Responsible for Apprenticeship policies and funding through the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
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MEGT can help
The MEGT Job Board is where you will find hundreds of apprenticeships and traineeship opportunities around Australia.
Our job seeker toolkit will help you craft your resume and cover letters and ace your job interviews.
Once you secure a job, we can help you get signed up to officially be an Australian Apprenticeship, help you choose the right Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to deliver your training, check which financial incentives you may potentially be eligible to receive, and support you throughout your entire apprenticeship.
FAQs
You can receive prior learning credits from past jobs, training, or learning.
You can access this through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) assessments conducted by your RTO at the time of enrolment.
If you need to change your employer during your apprenticeship or traineeship, you’ll need to:
Complete a cancellation form with your current employer to cancel the original Training Contract. You and your employer must agree to the cancellation, and if you're under 18, your parent or guardian must also agree.
Sign a new Training Contract with your new employer. Note that you will need to complete a new probation period with your new employer.
Work with your new employer to develop a new Training Plan.
Update your training record with your Registered Training Organisation (RTO). If you change RTOs, your new RTO may be able to grant you credit or recognition for the work and training you've already completed.
Request an extract of service from your State Training Authority to confirm your apprenticeship or traineeship occupation and time served.
In Australia, there are minimum wages that apply for all employees – including apprentices and trainees and the Fair Work Ombudsman is the best place to go access information and advice on pay, conditions, and workplace rights and obligations.
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool (P.A.C.T) can help you find out which agreement, award or legislation covers you, your minimum pay rates and working conditions, how much annual leave or sick/carer’s leave you have accumulated.