'Australian Apprenticeships' is the Australian Government name that covers both apprenticeships and traineeships. With apprenticeships and traineeships, you get the opportunity to combine work and training while undertaking a nationally recognised course.

Training is available to anyone aged 15 years and over, in more than 500 occupations across a range of different industries.

What’s involved:

• An award or training wage paid under a Training Contract signed by you and your employer
• Registration of your training contract with the State/Territory Training Authority
• A structured training program leading to a nationally recognised qualification
• Claim financial support through Australian and State Government incentives

BENEFITS

There are lots of great reasons to become an apprentice or trainee:

• Get paid to work and study at the same time
• Receive a nationally recognised qualification after you successfully finish your apprenticeship or traineeship
• Gain practical work experience and get a head start in a new career
• Update your skills in an area you already work in
• Increase your value as a qualified employee
• Great long-term career prospects
• Financial help from the government

TRAINING

Once you've been employed, you and your employer will choose a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to provide you with training.

You will find that most training providers have flexible, accredited training to suit your needs, as well as your employer’s requirements.

The training can be conducted on-the-job, off-the-job or a combination of both. School-based apprenticeships are also available if you are still studying at school.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The early years of an Australian Apprenticeship can be tough for those entering the workforce for the first time. That’s why the Australian Government supports apprentices and trainees through financial incentives. Visit our Financial Assistance page for further information.

Contact MAS National for more information, and to find out which government incentives you might be able to claim.

FINDING A JOB

• Australian Jobsearch
• Cold Canvas – Approaching employers directly. Prepare a letter and attach a resume.
• Direct Approach – Write a letter including your resume to companies that you would like to work for (addressed to the Human Resources Manager). Follow up with a phone call approximately three days later. Ask when it would be a good time to call back, diary note it and call back as advised.
• Register with a number of employment agencies
• Newspapers – Look in the employment sections of the newspapers for Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Specialist industries often advertised on particular week days. Become familiar with the ad scene and be wary of "dodgy" ads that promise high incomes for little skill.
• Contact a Job Services Australia provider
• Contact a Group Training Company
• Ask family and friends