Apprenticeships

WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP/TRAINEESHIP?

Most people have heard of apprenticeships. Apprenticeships traditionally applied to trade areas like plumbing, carpentry and automotive mechanics etc. These days, to keep up with changes in the workforce and the changing nature of work, apprenticeships are now entry points to many jobs.

An apprenticeship or traineeship is a contract between three parties: the employee, employer and Federal Government (via an Australian Apprenticeship Network), all agreeing that the employee will undertake formal training during the term of employment. The employer, employee and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) form a training partnership to ensure that the apprentice receives training and qualifications to nationally recognised standards.

Some training is completed at the worksite by the workplace supervisor as the apprentice/trainee undertakes their daily work. The RTO provides formal training, learning resources, student support, and completes the assessment of competencies. This can often be done in many ways including;

• In the Workplace
• At an RTO campus
• Online
• A combination of the above

This is negotiated by the employer, apprentice/trainee, and the RTO and recorded in a document called a “Training Plan”.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TRAINEESHIP AND AN APPRENTICESHIP?

An apprenticeship is usually a three to four year qualification that is mainly used for trade based roles and a traineeship is generally from one to two years. Both Apprenticeships and Traineeships involve training under a supervisor where you earn a wage and learn about the industry and job you’re in. Both of these require you to be in full or part-time employment.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING THROUGH BATCHELOR INSTITUTE?

Batchelor Institute is dedicated to the education and training of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, so you will need to identify with this group. Additionally, apprentices are required to be employed for at least 48 days in a year. In some instances, additional industry criteria apply.

WHY DO AN APPRENTICESHIP?

Apprentices and Trainees gain Australian Quality Framework qualifications which are nationally recognised. Qualifications range from Certificate II up to an advanced diploma, although most are at Certificate II to Certificate IV level. Some Apprentices and Trainees undertake their formal training in the workplace. Others leave their workplace for training at an RTO campus. This is usually worked out at the start of the apprenticeship or traineeship and recorded in a formal Training Plan.

Benefits for employers include gaining a skilled staff member while the Australian and Territory Governments provide attractive incentives. For information on employer incentives contact Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (GTNT Group).

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

To apply for an apprenticeship contact Australian Apprenticeship Support Network to discuss the apprenticeship options available. This is also an opportunity for you to nominate Batchelor Institute as your preferred Registered Training Organisation.

To see courses currently offered by Batchelor Institute through an Apprenticeship/Traineeship, see NT Apprenticeships and Traineeships Database.

CAN YOU COMMENCE AN APPRENTICESHIP WHILE STILL AT SCHOOL?

To become a school-based apprentice you are required to be at least 15 years of age and have the permission of your school, parent/guardian, employer and training organisation. Additionally, you must be in paid employment for 15 or more hours per week.

WHERE CAN YOU GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS?

Freecall: 1800 677 095
GTNT Group – Australian Apprenticeship Support Network: 08 8935 8200

Employers may contact the GTNT Group – Australian Apprenticeship Support Network for advice on apprenticeships and Government incentives.

EMPLOYMENT

Courses completed can lead to employment, promotion and further education.

CONTACT

Freecall: 1800 677 095
Email: studentprogression@batchelor.edu.au