There’s lots to consider when starting your Apprenticeship or Traineeship. Here are some steps to help you get prepared:

Explore

Research career opportunities and courses to find the right qualification for you.

• Complete our Study Seeker Quiz
• Find career options and job descriptions
• Discover TAFE NSW course areas

Download the TAFE NSW career guide

Talk

Speak to an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider.

An Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP), can help you choose the best Apprenticeship or Traineeship for you. They can also help you find an employer and provide you with ongoing support and advice.

Discover

Once you have decided on your Apprenticeship or Traineeship, you can search for available Apprenticeships or Traineeships with employers through:

• Workforce Australia
• State Government organisations
• Australian Apprenticeships

Fee-free introductory units

If you’re not sure about committing to a full Apprenticeship or Traineeship, TAFE NSW offers fee-free, pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeship courses. This is a great way to find out if a qualification will suit you. If you decide it does, your pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship coursework will count towards your full qualification.

Read more about pre-apprenticeships and pre-traineeships or call us on 131 601 and select the option for Apprenticeships and Traineeships to find out more.

When you're ready to start your Apprenticeship or Traineeship, your Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP), employer, and/or TAFE NSW will help you through the steps below. We have two intakes per year, in February and July, so your start date will depend on when you sign up with your ACAP.

1. Sign your contract and Training Plan Proposal (TPP)

   Your ACAP will help you and your employer create these.

2. Your ACAP will send us your TPP

   This usually happens within 48 hours of your TPP being created.

3. We’ll check that we can accept your TPP

   We’ll check that your chosen course is available at your location and send your signed and accepted TPP back to your ACAP.
   
   This usually happens within 2 weeks of us receiving your TPP.

4. It’s time for you to enrol with TAFE NSW

   We’ll confirm we have a spot for you in your chosen course and email you an enrolment link or form. If you’re under 17 years of age your parent or guardian will need to co-sign your enrolment form.
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   You'll receive this information once enrolment for your course is open.

5. Lodging your TPP and Training Contract

   Your ACAP will lodge your TPP and Training Contract with Training Services for approval.
   
   This usually happens within 2 weeks of your ACAP receiving your signed and accepted TPP from us.

6. Registration complete

   Once Training Services approves your TPP and Training Contract, your Apprenticeship or Traineeship has been registered. You’ll receive a confirmation letter from Training Services along with your Training ID.

7. Developing your Training Plan

   We’ll work with you and your employer to develop your Training Plan. Your Training Plan will include important dates, assessment details and more.
   
   This happens within 12 weeks of your Training Contract being approved by Training Services.

If you wish to change employers during your Apprenticeship or Traineeship, your existing Training Contract will be cancelled and a new one will need to be created with your new employer. Here's what you'll need to do:

• Complete the Cancellation of an Apprenticeship or Traineeship form to cancel your existing Training Contract.
  Generally, your employer must agree to cancel your Training Contract.
• Once your existing Training Contract has been cancelled, you'll need to sign a Training Plan Proposal and Training Contract with your new employer. You'll also need to complete another probation period and develop a Training Plan with your new employer.

For support with changing your employer, please contact your Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP).

You can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning or Credit Transfer to have your knowledge, skills or previously completed units of competency counted towards your qualification. This could help you get your qualification faster.

Learn more about recognition of prior learning and credit transfer.

When you study at TAFE NSW, you’re never alone. We have a range of free support services like counselling, study support and more.

If you have a disability, our Disability Teacher Consultants can chat with you about getting the support you need to make the most of your studies. Whether you’re already enrolled or just thinking about it, this service is free and confidential.

Learn more about our Student Support Services and Disability Support Services.