Pathway to an Apprenticeship or Traineeship
Pre-apprenticeship or traineeship
If you aren’t sure if you want to commit to a full apprenticeship or traineeship, you can undertake a pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship introductory unit.
These introductory units allow you to get a taste of a trade or industry and are fee-free, meaning you won't have to pay any course fees. If you then decide the trade or industry is right for you, then you’re already on your way to getting qualified.
Visit pre-apprenticeships and pre-traineeships for more information.
Decide on an apprenticeship or traineeship
There are hundreds of apprenticeships or traineeships to choose from, across a wide range of industry areas including;
- Arts & Entertainment
- Automotive
- Building & Construction
- Communications
- Community Services & Health
- Finance, Insurance & Business Services
- Food Industry
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Mining
- Primary Industry
- Process Manufacturing
- Property Services
- Retail & Wholesale
- Sport & Recreation
- Tourism
- Transport & Distribution
- Utilities and Electrotechnology
There are some great careers and industries out there. Do some research, discover your interests and plan your future.
Helpful sites:
- Job Outlook - career and job prospects information site
- My Future - career options, job descriptions, resources for advisors
- Visit our YouTube channel to hear apprentices and trainees tell you why they chose the path they did, and see some of what they have learned.
Find a job
First, create a resume.
Then search for apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies through:
- Australian Jobsearch - Job Services Australia vacancy site
- Group Training Organisations - only employ apprentices and trainees
- State Government organisations - current vacancies in the NSW Government
Don't forget the newspapers and online recruitment agencies. You can also ask larger organisations directly about how they recruit, or ask businesses in your local area what their needs are and what they look for in an apprentice or trainee.
Starting your apprenticeship or traineeship
Steps |
Action |
|
---|---|---|
1. |
Choose the right qualification |
You and your employer should agree on the appropriate qualification that will both meet your career goals and be suitable for the workplace. |
2. |
Sign a contract |
Once you have started work, an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) will help you and your employer complete a Training Contract. |
3. |
Prepare a Training Plan Proposal |
Your ACAP and TAFE NSW will assist you and your employer to develop a Training Plan Proposal. |
4. |
Training Contract is lodged |
Your ACAP will lodge your Training Contract and Training Plan Proposal with Training Services for approval. |
5. |
Contract is approved |
Once approved, you will receive a confirmation letter and a Training Contract ID number. |
6. |
Training Plan is completed |
A full Training Plan must be developed within 12 weeks from the date of approval. This is done by TAFE NSW, in consultation with you and your employer. |
7. |
You are registered |
Once your probation period has been completed (1-3 months) your apprenticeship or traineeship is considered "registered". |
Apprenticeships and Traineeships are:
- a pathway to a job you love
- one of the best ways to get training and qualifications that are highly regarded by business and industry
- Government regulated
Support
When you study at TAFE NSW, you’ll have all the support you need to help you be successful. We have a range of support services and assistance across all TAFE NSW locations, as well as online. Please reach out to our Support Services should you need support for your studies PRIOR to enrolment.
Here are some ways to get more information:
- Attend a TAFE NSW Open/Enrolment Day
- Sign up to our Ambition page and receive regular info and updates
- Explore our Career Guide
- Talk to our Customer Service staff on 131 601
- Live chat at tafensw.edu.au from 8am to 8pm (Mon-Fri)
- Download the ‘Be Ambitious’ app to find your perfect career match