Trainees and Apprentices

Traineeships were introduced to provide employment and training opportunities in a range of areas not generally covered by apprenticeships. There are now more than 600 traineeships available in NSW.

A traineeship combines work and training in a formal training contract between a trainee and an employer. The employer agrees to employ the trainee for the period of the program (usually one to two years) and provides structured training on-the-job with ‘off-the-job’ training provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) such as TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute.

There is no upper age limit for trainees although there are minimum age restrictions according to specific industry requirements. For example, the hospitality industry may have age restrictions for the serving of alcohol.

All Traineeships include:

• paid employment for one to three years under an appropriate industrial arrangement
• a training contract signed by both employer and apprentice and registered with the NSW Department of Education and Training
• a training program, delivered by an RTO, that leads to a nationally recognised qualification
• financial incentives from the government for both employers and trainees.

Apprenticeships generally last four years and cover traditional trade areas. There are now more than 100 apprenticeship vocations available in NSW. An apprenticeship is a combination of work and structured training which leads to a nationally-recognised trade qualification.

Accelerated adult apprenticeships (people aged 24 years or over) are also available in the recognised trade vocations of Engineering (Mechanical) and Engineering (Fabrication). Two years credit towards the nominal term of the apprenticeship in these recognised trade vocations may be granted where the applicant apprentice meets the criteria. For further details on accelerated apprenticeships contact the Institute Traineeship Coordinator on + 61 2 9942 0418.

All apprenticeships include:

• paid employment under an appropriate industrial arrangement
• a training contract signed by both employer and apprentice and registered with the NSW Department of Education and Training
• a training program, delivered by a registered training organisation, that leads to a nationally recognised qualification

Apprenticeship courses are available in:

• Automotive
• Baking
• Boat Building & Marine
• Building & Construction
• Cookery - Chef
• Electrical
• Electronics
• Engineering
• Hairdressing & Beauty
• Horticulture
• Plumbing

Further information on Traineeships and apprenticeships:

Telephone: 131 674 or + 61 2 9942 0418 (for calls outside of New South Wales). Email: nsi.newapprenticeships@tafensw.edu.au

Useful links:

http://apprenticeship.det.nsw.edu.au

http://www.newapprenticeships.gov.au

http://www.myfuture.edu.au

http://www.centrelink.gov.au

http://www.jobnetwork.gov.au