Your Guide to an Apprenticeship Earn while you learn
Earn while you learn TAFE and training is a great way to gain a nationally recognised qualification that will improve your ability to enter the workforce and enhance your career prospects. An apprenticeship gives you the skills and experience you need to help your career reach its full potential, and you also get paid to learn! You can do an apprenticeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult worker simply wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship while you re still at school finishing Years 11 and 12. An apprenticeship can be offered in a variety of qualification levels in many different occupations. An apprenticeship combines time at work with training, and can be full-time, part-time or school-based. I m under 20 If you are under 20, a citizen, permanent resident of Australia, or other specific category holder, you are guaranteed a government subsidised training place for a pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship or traineeship through the Victorian Training Guarantee. If you want to begin training while still at school, you can complete a Schoolbased Apprenticeship or Traineeship. This combines practical experience in the workplace, formal training with a registered training organisation and school studies. A School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship may also be credited towards a VCE or VCAL. I m over 20 If you are over 20, a citizen, permanent resident of Australia, or other specific category holder, and are interested in commencing an apprenticeship from 1 January 2011, you will have access to government subsidised training through the Victorian Training Guarantee, regardless of your prior qualifications.
Ben Dean Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician University of Ballarat (TAFE Division) Ben Dean is now a fully qualified electrician at Laser Electrical Ballarat after completing his apprenticeship and Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems at the University of Ballarat (TAFE Division). Photo: Ballarat Courier The training I have undergone during my apprenticeship has given me the skills to become a good electrician and to be in a good position to develop my skills even further by doing more training. Now I m qualified to work alone, manage jobs and projects and to assist and train apprentices on the job. Ben Dean Electrician What is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a training contract between an employer and an employee in which the apprentice learns an occupation or trade. Choosing an apprenticeship The Australian Apprenticeships website at australianapprenticeships.gov.au allows you to search through a range of apprenticeships and jobs in many industries. Right now, there are career opportunities available in many occupations. Completing an apprenticeship in one of these areas could lead to excellent job prospects for you in the long term.
How do I find an apprenticeship in Victoria? One of your first steps should be a visit to your local Australian Apprenticeships Centre. They can help you find an apprenticeship. They are able to link into job-matching services to place you in touch with employers. Importantly, they can tell you if you are eligible for government financial assistance for an apprenticeship and help you complete the relevant application forms. Get started by finding an Australian Apprenticeships Centre using the search tool at australianapprenticeships.gov.au or by calling the Australian Apprenticeship referral line on 13 38 73 (local call cost). The Australian Apprenticeships website explains what steps you need to take. It provides: information to help you choose an industry you want to work in information on job prospects and weekly earnings ways to find job vacancies tips on how to market yourself tips on how to apply for positions and write an application tips on ways to increase your chances of success at interviews. You can also visit a Group Training Organisation in Victoria. They can offer you expert advice and assistance to find the right apprenticeship. Visit gtav.com. au or phone (03) 9639 3955 for more information. Group Training is a training and employment arrangement where an organisation, known as a Group Training Organisation or GTO, employs apprentices and trainees under an Apprenticeship / Traineeship Training Contract and places them with host employers. Otherwise, you can look for an apprenticeship in the same way as looking for other jobs. You will find apprenticeships advertised online or in the newspaper. You can also approach employers directly to express your interest. How much will I get paid to be an apprentice? Apprentices are usually employed under a federal award or agreement. You will be paid an apprentice wage which takes into account the cost of your training and the value of the work you do.
In addition, apprentices have the same rights to superannuation, workers compensation and other entitlements or requirements as all other workers in Australia. How long will it take me to complete an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship can take from one to four years to complete, depending on the type of apprenticeship and the qualification you do. You may be granted course credits for any skills you already have and your prior experience in the workplace, potentially reducing your formal training time. Apprenticeships are competency based which means you can complete your training as soon as you learn the required skills. Can I start an apprenticeship while I m still at school? If you re still at school, you may have developed an interest in an industry but want to finish your Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). If that s the case, talk to your career adviser about a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship. Under this training, you ll spend time at school, time with your employer and some time training with a TAFE or other training provider. I ve been out of school a while. Can I still become an apprentice? Anyone of working age can become an apprentice, subject to citizenship or visa conditions. Apprenticeships are not only for the young. Mature workers are known for their ability to bring commitment to their industry a fact well recognised through increasing numbers of older workers doing apprenticeships. If you re already employed, there are some conditions to transferring from your current employment status to an apprenticeship. Your employer will need to discuss your particular situation with an Australian Apprenticeships Centre.
Steps to finding an apprenticeship One Decide what you want to be! Visit australianapprenticeships.gov.au, search through a range of apprenticeships and see which one best suits you. If you are still at school, discuss apprenticeship options with your career advisers or teachers. Some more websites to help you are: myfuture.edu.au jobguide.deewr.gov.au gtav.com.au Two Make sure you have an up-to-date resume. Don t forget to include: contact details your school studies, achievements and work experience your interests, skills and career goals. Visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au for more tips on preparing a resume. Three Start looking for an employer to employ you as an apprentice. You can do this by: looking in the job vacancy ads in your local paper or online contacting an Australian Apprenticeships Centre in your region to assist you with job-matching services contacting employers in the industries you d like to work in contacting a Group Training Organisation in your region. You can also visit jobsearch.gov.au. This website advertises apprenticeships in your local area and has details of your local Job Services Australia provider who can also help you. Or contact a Victorian TAFE. They may be aware of employers in your chosen field. To find your closest TAFE visit skills.vic.gov.au.
Four When you find an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice, ask them to call their local Australian Apprenticeships Centre if they have not done so already. The Centre will help you and your new employer with all the paperwork. For more information about apprenticeships, personal benefits for apprentices and general employment information visit: an Australian Apprenticeships Centre. Call 13 38 73 to find Australian Apprenticeships Centres in your region or visit australianapprenticeships.gov.au visit jobsearch.gov.au Find a Job Services Australia provider in your region. Call 13 62 68 to find the one closest to you Contact a Group Training Organisation via gtav.com.au For queries on Youth Allowance, Austudy VET FEE-HELP or ABSTUDY call the Centrelink Australian Apprenticeships hotline on 13 36 33 or visit centrelink.gov.au If you are a person with a disability, there is a range of support available when you start an apprenticeship. Call the Employment Assistance Fund on 1800 464 800 or visit jobaccess.gov.au for more information. Caitlin Wohlgehagen Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) Box Hill TAFE Caitlin Wohlgehagen is a third year apprentice with acclaimed chef Guy Grossi at Grossi Florentino. At school you learn all the theory and the nitty-gritty. Work s really hands-on and you learn what it s really like in the industry. I love it. Caitlin Wohlgehagen Apprentice Chef
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, March 2011. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne. For further information: For further information on courses and training providers visit skills.vic.gov.au or call the TAFE Course Line on 13 18 23. Colour Logo 2 Spot Colours