Trainees and apprentices
Trainees and apprentices
Combined work and training
Traineeship and apprenticeship training is intended to enable people to develop skills and knowledge through a combination of study and work at the same time.
There are a range of government subsidies and payments to facilitate this.
How do traineeships work?
Traineeships are work-based programs in which the trainee is in paid employment while undergoing a training program delivered by a Registered Training Organisation such as TAFE NSW - South Western Sydney Institute.
Typically, the trainee will work 3 to 4 days per week and receive formal training on one or two days. The traineeships can last from 6 to 18 months, depending on the industry.
Training can be arranged in various ways; either on-the-job, flexible work-based or at TAFE.
Potential trainees must first be hired by employers for the traineeship positions, usually by answering an advertisement. The trainee will be paid under the appropriate industry agreement and sign an indenture of traineeship with the employer. Employers will then make arrangements with the training institution for the accredited training, which will lead to a nationally recognised qualification.
The benefits for employers
A traineeship is a great way to expand your business and meet the demands of new and emerging markets. Here are some of the benefits:
- You get an extra person in the workplace - your trainee will be working for you while they are learning
- You can access the latest industry-endorsed training. You may be eligible for financial assistance to help reduce the real cost of training
- You will help build a skilled workforce and the NSW Government pays for the training by a Registered Training Organisation
- Payroll tax rebates/exemptions
- They are open to people up to 64 years of age
- Deliver training to suit your industry needs
- Trainees can choose the Registered Training Provider and Training Program
Employers Guide
An Employers Guide is available to all employers working with trainees. Copies can be obtained by contacting: Field Services and Skills Recognition - Department of Education and Training.
Phone (+61 2) 9266 8704 Fax (+61 2) 9266 8590
The Employers Guide can also be viewed on the Australian Apprenticeships website.
Existing Worker Traineeships
Existing Worker Traineeships are similar to other traineeships in that they contain formal accredited training and/or assessment and recognition of prior learning.
They are generally a one to two year program and are aimed at providing existing workers with the opportunity to gain formal qualifications to match their existing knowledge and to help develop new skills.
Who can participate? An existing worker trainee is defined as a person who has been employed continuously by the existing employer for more than 3 months full-time or 12 months casual or part-time or a combination of both immediately prior to commencing the traineeship.
What employer incentives are available? Employers participating in the Existing Worker Traineeship program may be eligible for Federal Government subsidies for each trainee they employ.
More information can be obtained by contacting an Australian Apprenticeship Centre (AAC) for up to date advice and assistance.
Click here to view the Australian Apprenticeships site or phone 13 38 73.
Benefits to students
To read about traineeships and apprenticeships from the student's perspective, see the Apprenticeships and Traineeships page
Useful links
