Apprentice or trainee— what’s the difference?

Apprentice

You'll spend three to four years learning a traditional trade such as:

• building and construction
• automotive
• cooking
• engineering
• hairdressing
• manufacturing

You’ll graduate as a qualified tradesperson.

Trainee

You’ll spend one to three years, depending on your industry and qualification, learning a vocation in areas such as:

• agriculture
• information technology
• hospitality
• business
• digital media
• financial services

Gain experience and skills while you get paid

An apprenticeship or traineeship means you learn practical skills with an employer as well as formal learning with an approved provider and get a nationally recognised qualification you can use anywhere.

You may not have much experience when you start an apprenticeship or traineeship, but will learn skills that will set you up for life.

You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you’re at school.

Employers all over Australia hold apprenticeships and traineeships in high regard. They know you’ve completed a structured program designed by industry experts.

What are the benefits?

• A pathway from school to work
• You get paid while you train
• Get quality, hands-on training valued by employers
• Available for anyone who has finished Year 10 with some exemptions
• You don’t need your HSC
• You can study full-time or part-time
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification
• Excellent career opportunities
• When you study you benefit from the same conditions as other employees, like sick leave and holiday pay
• Depending on your skill level, you may progress through your apprenticeship or traineeship more quickly
• When you graduate, you won’t be worrying about a big debt
• Work alongside highly experienced and skilled industry professionals
• You may be eligible for a Fee Free Apprenticeship or Fee Free Traineeship through our Smart and Skilled program.

What you get from Apprenticeships and traineeships

• Paid employment under an industrial arrangement
• A training contract between you and your employer
• Structured workplace training
• Formal study and skills development through a registered training organisation which may take place on their campus or at your workplace
• A nationally recognised qualification
• Issue of a Certificate of Proficiency on completion of the apprenticeship or traineeship that’s held in high regard by many employers nationally

Find out more in our welcome guide for apprentices and trainees.