Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships provide a gateway to great jobs and real hands on training in almost any field of employment. Whether you’re interested in a career in building and construction, business or hairdressing, an Australian apprenticeship or traineeship means you earn while you learn
and gain a heap of onsite experience while you’re at it!
For employers apprenticeships and traineeships form the backbone of new employment in many Australian industries. They enable people to kick start their employment while they are learning and also offer employers great financial incentives for taking on new staff.
Information for Apprentices and Trainees
Apprenticeships and traineeships are available across more than 500 occupations. Opportunities are not only available in the more traditional trades like building and construction, electrical, engineering, plumbing and automotive, but now also in hospitality and tourism, hair and beauty, sport and recreation,
business, horticulture and much more.
TAFE Gippsland’s apprenticeship and traineeship programs can help you achieve your employment goals across a number of different career paths.
Benefits to Apprentices
When you secure an apprenticeship you have secured a unique opportunity to kick start your career and gain valuable on the job experience all while gaining a nationally recognised qualification. You will be earning while you learn which means there is no need to put your life on hold while you study.There
are a number of Government benefits and assistance available to Australian Apprentices. These benefits may change and you should refer to the Australian Apprenticeships website for information of those currently available.
Trade Support Loans
In order to support Australian Apprentices and help them to meet everyday costs whilst they undertake their training, eligible apprentices will be able to apply for Trade Support Loans. These loans provide up to $20,000 worth of income contingent loans and are paid monthly in arrears.
Apprentices will not have to repay the loans until they are earning an income above the minimum repayment threshold. In order to maintain the real value of the loans, the loan amount will be indexed according to the Consumer Price Index.
Apprentices who successfully complete their apprenticeship will receive a 20% discount on their loan amount.
Other assistance or incentives may be available from your state training authority. Please consult the Skills Victoria website for further information.
How do I begin an apprenticeship/traineeship?
Firstly you will need to secure employment as a trainee or apprentice. Your local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network can assist you to find and apply for apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.Once you have found a position your employer must register your traineeship or apprenticeship
with their local Australian Apprenticeship Centre. Part of this process will be the selection of a Registered Training Organisation, such as TAFE Gippsland, which will provide your formal training, off-the-job, on-the-job, or as a combination of both.
What can I do to improve my chances of securing an apprenticeship?
For those who are having trouble securing a suitable apprenticeship or who would like to get ahead of the pack TAFE Gippsland offers a number of pre-apprenticeship courses.
These entry level courses provide you with skills and knowledge to increase your chances of securing an apprenticeship. In some instances these courses can shorten the length of your apprenticeship by providing you with the same off-the-job training as a first year apprentice.
To find out more about apprenticeships in Australia visit the Australian Apprenticeships website.
TAFE Gippsland offers apprenticeships & traineeships in the following trades/occupations.
Apprenticeships | Traineeships |
Information for Employers
No matter what your business, investing in an apprentice or trainee can bring real rewards. Your staff will develop skills and knowledge akin to the needs and requirements of your business with access to flexible training solutions and nationally recognised qualifications.
Benefits to employers
The Australian Government offers a range of incentives for eligible employers of apprentices and/or trainees, particularly in areas of recognised skills shortages.
Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Programme
There are a number of incentives currently available to eligible employers of Australian Apprentices. Each incentive payment has a number of eligibility criteria that will be assessed by an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (Apprenticeship Network) provider.
Current incentives:
- Commencement incentives
- Recommencement incentives
- Completion incentives
- Rural and Regional Skills Shortage Incentive
- Declared Drought Area Incentives
- Mature Aged Workers Incentives
- Australian School-based Apprenticeship Incentive
- Assistance for Australian Apprentices with Disability
- Support for Adult Australian Apprentices
More detailed information is available in the Australian Apprenticeships incentives information sheets.
For information on the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Programme please visit or contact your local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network.
More information
For more information about Apprenticeship and Traineeship programs at TAFE Gippsland please contact your local campus.
Pre-Apprenticeships
A TAFE Gippsland Pre-apprenticeship could be the stepping stone you need to get ahead in the industry you choose. Whether you are looking for an alternative pathway into a trade career or are having trouble securing an apprenticeship, a pre-apprenticeship will prepare you for the work environment in your chosen industry, provide you with introductory skills and knowledge and give you better access to apprentice employment opportunities.
Your pre-apprenticeship may also reduce the length of your apprenticeship training putting you ahead of the pack. If you want to know more about beginning a pre-apprenticeship you can contact the department offering any of the pre-apprenticeship programs listed below or alternatively contact:
For more information on Pre-Apprenticeships:
Call: 1300 133 717