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BUILD

YOUR CAREER

FROM DAY ONE
BUILD

YOUR CAREER

FROM DAY ONE

Apprenticeships and Traineeships are:

  • a pathway to a job you love
  • one of the best ways to get training and qualifications that are highly regarded by business and industry
  • a great way to learn while you earn
  • Government regulated

Start your career from day one with an Apprenticeship or Traineeship at TAFE SA.

There has never been a better time to get an Apprenticeship or Traineeship. The South Australian Government is committed to supporting an additional 20,800 apprentices and trainees over four years through the Skilling South Australia initiative, ensuring that these opportunities are attractive to jobseekers, business and industry, and meets the state’s skills needs now and in the future.

Missed our webinar?

Watch on your favourite screen and catch up at your convenience.

Hosted by Mark 'Thomo' Thomas from Fresh FM, find out how you can build your career from day one.

Thomo uncovered topics such as:

  • How to get to get started with an apprenticeship or traineeship
  • Whose door to knock on to get a head start
  • What industries are hiring right now?
  • What are the perks?
  • Fact vs Fiction and much more!

Apprenticeship and Traineeships

What is the difference between an Apprenticeship and a Traineeship?

Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships allow you to learn while you earn. You train on the job, study and earn an income all while working towards becoming a qualified tradesperson.

How long does it take?

An apprenticeship normally takes three to four years in traditional trade areas like carpentry, electrical, hairdressing and plumbing. 

Traineeships

What is a Traineeship?

Traineeships are like apprenticeships, but they concentrate on vocational or job areas such as office administration, information technology or hospitality.

How long does it take?

A traineeship lasts one to two years. You'll learn, work and earn and when you successfully complete you will receive (at a minimum) a Certificate II qualification.

Who can become an Apprentice or a Trainee?

  • Apprenticeships are open to anyone of working age.
  • You don't need a school certificate or any other qualification.
  • Year 10, 11 and 12 students, school leavers, people re-entering the workforce or professionals.

What's in it for you?

  • Paid employment under an appropriate industrial arrangement.
  • A training agreement between the employer and apprentice or trainee.
  • Structured on-the-job training delivered by TAFE SA.
  • A nationally recognised qualification.
  • Get a head start in your chosen career.
  • You can start apprenticeships and traineeships while at school that may count towards your SACE.

Learn while you earn, flexible study options and being able to immediately apply the skills you learn to your job are just some of the benefits of an Apprenticeship and a Traineeship. Watch this video to find out more.

Apprentices and Trainees Flyer

Download PDF

5 Steps to success for an Apprenticeship or Traineeship

Download the TAFE SA Apprenticeship and Traineeship brochure for hints, tips and contact details to help you on the path to success. Also available from a campus near you.

1

Discover a career that excites you.

Learn about industries that best suit you and your interests.

Helpful sites:

  • Job Outlook - career and job prospects information site
  • My Future - career options, job descriptions, resources for advisors
  • Skills.sa.gov.au – discover your passion, career options

2

Apply for an Apprenticeship or Traineeship

Prepare your Resume and search job sites online, ask family or friends for referrals and research companies you would like to work for.

  • OR get in touch with a Group Training Organisation (GTO) which is an organisation that employs apprentices and trainees, and then place them with a host employer.
  • OR use an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN):

MAS National | Check their jobs register

MEGT (Australia) Ltd | Check their jobs register

3

Enrol at TAFE SA

Your new employer, GTO or ANP will connect you with TAFE SA to confirm the appropriate qualification that will both meet your career goals and be suitable for the workplace.  Find courses

Once you have started work, an AASN will help you and your employer complete a Training Contract.

Your ANP and TAFE SA will assist you and your employer to develop a Training Plan.

* If the apprentice or trainee is under 18, the parent or guardian must also agree.

4

Start your journey with us

Learn with TAFE SA’s industry trained staff and access the latest learning technologies through our unrivalled and award-winning specialist education centres. Our qualifications are nationally recognised and give you the skills that employers want. We consult regularly with industry and make regular updates to ensure they stay that way.  

5

Never stop learning

After your apprenticeship or traineeship, the sky’s the limit to advance your career and build new skills. Many apprentices and trainees go onto further study like project management or courses to start their own business or to upgrade their skills to ensure they are current to industry requirements.

Apprentices/Trainees with a Disability (DAAWS)

All TAFE SA students, including apprentices and trainees can receive assistance through Student Services.

The ‘Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support’ (DAAWS) scheme is a Commonwealth-funded initiative which supports apprentices/trainees to help them reach their potential as skilled workers.

The scheme may provide support for the off-the job component of your apprenticeship/traineeship, including mentoring, tutoring and interpreting.

For more information, contact one of our student services officers or your Australian Apprenticeship Network Provider:

School-based learning

A School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) allows senior secondary students to begin their apprenticeship or traineeship in Years 10, 11 or 12, combining paid employment and structured work-related training as part of their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

SBATs are a pathway to employment in a trade or occupation, self-employment, further training or higher education.

Learn more

Support

When you study at TAFE SA, you’ll have all the support you need to help you be successful. Please reach out to our support services should you need support for your studies PRIOR to enrolment.

Here are some other ways to get more information:

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