An apprenticeship is a legal agreement whereby the apprentice learns how to perform the tasks involved in a trade occupation under the guidance of a highly skilled tradesperson and by successfully completing the required training to become qualified. A trade occupation refers to a highly skilled practical occupation. Carpenter, hairdresser, florist, butcher, motor mechanic, glazier, and signwriter are examples of trade jobs. Apprentices receive a wage in accordance with their level of training and experience. Apprenticeships can take up to four years to complete.
A traineeship is a legal agreement whereby the trainee learns how to perform the tasks involved in a skilled occupation under the guidance of a skilled workers and by successfully completing the required training to become qualified. Traineeships are skilled non-trade occupations in career fields such as business and administration, retail, hospitality and sport and recreation. Trainees receive a wage in accordance with their level of training and experience. Traineeships are generally shorter than apprenticeships Traineeships are of a shorter duration than apprenticeships. The skill level of some traineeships is lower than the skill level for apprenticeships.
Many people associate apprenticeships with the trades. A trade refers to a highly skilled practical occupation. Typically it takes approximately four years to qualify for a trade.
In recent times, traineeships have adopted the apprenticeship model. The duration of traineeships are usually lower than for trade occupations.
More specifically, in its overview of the Australian apprenticeship and traineeship system, the National Council of Vocational Educational Research (NCVER) stated that contemporary Australian apprenticeships and traineeships can be defined by:
Over the years Australian apprenticeships have become very flexible. In the past Australian apprenticeships could only be commenced after finishing compulsory secondary education and mostly school leavers were employed as apprentices. Today Australian apprenticeships can be commenced:
The Schools Guide to Australian apprenticeships and traineeships is an e-magazine with all the information you need to know about preparing for and getting an apprenticeship or traineeship.
There are some outstanding websites that can answer most of your questions about apprenticeships. Some of these are:
Australian Apprenticeship Pathways is intended for several user groups. The student section contains job and training descriptions for Apprenticeships and Traineeships and information about Australian School-based Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. The Work Type links Apprenticeships and traineeships to career interest strengths and work type preferences. Jobs pathway charts show the range of qualifications and related training available in each industry.
Apprenticeship Support Australia . Link to this site to get information on apprenticeships, school-based apprenticeships, qualifications available in different states and territories, the opportunity to connect with a Career Counsellor about an apprenticeship, support to find out what type of an apprenticeship will suit you, tips on apprenticeship wages, information about mentoring through your apprenticeship and more.
Cadetships are similar to apprenticeships and traineeships in that they involve earning and learning. Cadetships involve a partnership between the employer, you as the employee and an education and training provider. As a result of this partnership, you complete your formal studies while being employed and gaining professional experience. Your program of study is tailored to meet both your work requirements and the requirements of your course. A cadetship provides a pathway to permanent employment when the cadetship is finished. Cadets are usually commencing students or currently enrolled in a course that is relevant to the job role.
Cadetships are available in a wide range of industries, but are often found in:
Some places where cadetships are advertised include Government jobs websites, job boards such as Seek, Indeed, Careerone and Graduate Opportunities and GradConenction.