What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship involves full-time work with an employer who provides an opportunity to learn all aspects of a trade. This is a structured program for a fixed period of time (usually four years, but can be less depending on the trade chosen) and while you learn on the job, you also attend off the job training at a TAFEWA college or another registered training organisation (RTO*).
Some of the benefits of an apprenticeship are that you can:
- - earn a wage while you train
- - learn on-the-job skills combined with off-the-job training
- - receive a nationally recognised qualification on successful completion
- - take a valuable step towards a rewarding career path.
For a complete list of the types of apprenticeships currently available, visit the ApprentiCentre website.
What is a traineeship?
In a traineeship you also gain hands-on skills and work experience, and improve your employment prospects, while earning a wage. On successful completion you will gain a nationally recognised qualification which can lead to rewarding career options.
The difference between a traineeship and an apprenticeship is that a traineeship can be either a full-time or part-time employment-based training arrangement, usually for 12 months or more, generally in a non-trade related area.
To find out some of the traineeships that are available, including course outlines, visit the ApprentiCentre website.
What is a pre-apprenticeship?
A pre-apprenticeship is a course that prepares you for entry into an apprenticeships by providing you with the basic skills in that particular trade. Pre-apprenticeship courses usually take six months and can lead to an apprenticeship offer. Industry and businesses often contact TAFEWA colleges towards the end of the course to offer apprenticeships to those students who have shown ability.
Entry into a pre-apprenticeship course is by the same method as enrolling for any other TAFEWA course. See the enrol and apply section of this site for more information.
How do I get an apprenticeship or traineeship?
Once you have decided you want to do an apprenticeship or traineeship you must find an employer who will employ you. Talk to people in the industry, arrange work experience, check out businesses in your area using the Yellow Pages and then visit them directly or mail your resume to them.
You can also call the Career Development Centre on 1800 999 167 or an Employment Directions Network on 13 64 64 and speak to one of the helpful staff. They can assist you to get started on your search for an employer with helpful hints, assistance with resume writing and providing you with information on how to be prepared and organised. Click here to visit the Employment Directions Network website.
Remember that employers often advertise when they are looking for new staff, so you may need to regularly check the newspapers or internet/employment sites.
If you can’t find an employer to take you on, but are still keen to pursue a career in a particular trade, you may want to consider a pre-apprenticeship course. This will provide you with entry level skills and knowledge which may be attractive to future employers and increase your opportunities for a direct apprenticeship offer. It will also give you time to learn more about the trade you have chosen, provide industry contacts and help you target potential employers.
Once you start in an apprenticeship or traineeship either you or your employer can contact ApprentiCentre for support and information on the next step in the process.
Fast-track apprenticeships provide an opportunity for mature aged applicants with proven industry experience in selected trades, to achieve a nationally recognised Trade Certificate.
For further information contact the Senior Project Officer – Fast-track apprenticeships at ApprentiCentre on 13 19 54.
How do I get started?
ApprentiCentre is responsible for administering all apprenticeships and traineeships within WA. It can help you get started if you're thinking about an apprenticeship or traineeship.
For more information contact them by calling 13 19 54 or visit their website.
*TAFEWA is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
RTO's are responsible for the quality of training and assessment of apprenticeship and traineeship training programs. There are also some private training providers that are registered as RTO's. |