Apprenticeships and traineeships are formal training arrangements that combine training and employment and lead to nationally recognised qualifications. An apprentice enters into a contract of training or training agreement with an employer, which imposes mutual obligations on both parties.

Group training offers an alternative employment arrangement. The group training organisation (GTO) recruits the apprentice or trainee and takes on the role of employer. The apprentice or trainee is placed with a 'host' employer while they undertake training.

As at 31 March 2022, there were 387 830 apprentices and trainees in-training in Australia, up 17.1% from 31 March 2021 (Source: NCVER’s Apprentices and trainees 2022 – March quarter).

What is the difference between apprenticeships and traineeships?

Apprenticeships usually take three to four years to complete and lead to a trade qualification. Traineeships provide vocational qualifications (minimum of a Certificate II) to work in a particular industry or occupation and generally take approximately one to two years to complete. Traineeships are now part of the Australian Apprenticeships system.

Australian Apprenticeships

Australian Apprenticeships is the new name (from 1 July 2006) for the scheme formerly known as New Apprenticeships. Often referred to as apprenticeships or traineeships, Australian Apprenticeships are available in a variety of certificate levels in more than 500 occupations across Australia in traditional trades, as well as in a diverse range of emerging careers in most sectors of business and industry.

Australian Apprenticeships can be undertaken by anyone of working age. No previous qualification is required and it is open to school-leavers, those re-entering the workforce or adult workers looking to change their careers. Students in Year 11 or 12 can begin their apprenticeship or traineeship while still at school. Apprentices and trainees can combine time at work with training, either full-time or part-time or school-based.

Australian School-based Apprenticeships

An Australian School-based Apprenticeship is an Australian Apprenticeship undertaken part-time while the apprentice is at school. It offers hands-on industry experience and the ability to work towards or complete a nationally recognised qualification while they complete their secondary school certificate.

Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (AAIS)

The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (AAIS) replaced the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program (AAIP) on 1 July 2022. The new simplified and streamlined incentives program is aimed at: encouraging employers to take on Australian Apprentices in areas of skills shortages by assisting with the cost of training; and increasing completions by providing financial and non-financial support for Australian Apprentices. Incentives available to employers are: Priority Wage Subsidy; and Hiring Incentive. Australian Apprentices may receive the following support: Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment; Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA); Trade Support Loans; Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS); and Off-the-job Tutorial, Mentor and Interpreter Assistance.

Australian Apprenticeships Support Network (AASN)

The Australian Apprenticeships Support Network (AASN) replaced the national network of Australian Apprenticeships Centres on 1 July 2015. The Network provides advice and support services to apprentices and employers.

Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service (AATIS)

The Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service (AATIS) is a Commonwealth-funded service that provides online access to Australian Apprenticeships training information, job and training package pathway charts and marketing resources for registered training organisations and other stakeholders. The service was previously called NATINFO.

Group training organisations (GTOs)

Group training organisations employ apprentices and trainees and place them with host employers who are usually small to medium-sized businesses. Host employers provide on-the-job training and experience, while the GTO organises off-the-job training, and handles recruitment, job rotation and payroll.

Pre-apprenticeships and pre-traineeships

Pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeship courses provide initial training in a particular industry or occupation. Successful completion of the course can assist participants to obtain an apprenticeship or traineeship and may enable the term of the training agreement to be reduced.

Higher apprenticeships

Higher apprenticeships qualify people at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 5 (diploma) or above, which may or may not be undertaken as a contract of training. Two industry-led higher apprenticeship pilots were funded by the Australian Government under stream two of the Alternative delivery pilots project in 2016: Industry 4.0 Higher Apprenticeships Project; and Higher Apprenticeships in professional services.

Where to go for more information

• Australian Apprenticeships website
• Australian Apprenticeships Pathways website
• NCVER's Apprentice and trainee data
• Timeline of Australian VET policy initiatives 1998-2023
• Getting to know VET overview: VET delivered to secondary students
• Apprenticeships and traineeships Pod
• Search VOCEDplus

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