Guide: How to get an Apprenticeship

If you're thinking that an apprenticeship sounds like a great way to gain skills and a qualification - you've come to the right place. So, what do you do next? Here's a basic guide to get you started.

1. Decide what apprenticeship interests you

Think about what interests you and do some research about what opportunities there are. Talk to family and friends and get their input and advice and be objective when you receive both positive or negative information. Search job listings, contact companies or speak with people employed in the same field. Ask if you can spend a day with them on the job and observe what they do first-hand.

Resources

  • Contact your local Australian Apprenticeship Centre. Phone 13 38 73 to find your local centre or click here to do a postcode search.
  • Learn about certain occupations in our Profiles, videos and at sites like My Future and Job Outlook.
  • Look up local corporate and small businesses on the web to see what they offer

2. Find an employer

You may have found an employer with the right opportunity for you, or you may in the process of selecting one. They can be a single tradesperson, a small entrepreneurial business or a large company. Consider what environment you want to work in, what type of people would motivate your success and support your aims. Some corporations have established programs where you go through your training with peers, whilst other employers may want to improve their industry by fostering apprentices. Find out about the programs on offer, opportunities for promotion after qualification and think about whether the broader business of your potential employer interests you for the future.

Resources

  • Look at local and metropolitan newspapers and online job sites.
  • Try the SkillsOne job search via www.careerone.com.au or www.jobsearch.gov.au
  • Research specific company websites and brochures
  • Contact a Job Network member for referral to an employer - Call 13 62 68 or visit www.jobnetwork.gov.au
  • Contact a Group Training Organisation (GTO) in your area - Call 1800 819 747 or visit www.grouptraining.com.au
  • Attend a career expo in your area
  • Ask family, friends or a trusted careers adviser.

3. Choose a training provider

Some employers with established programs may have a training provider in place. Or you may be able to choose a training provider.

Training providers work with you and your employer to help to develop a training plan, deliver training, assess the achievement of skills, and issue a qualification on successful completion of the training.

They are called Registered Training Organisations, and may be either TAFE institutes or private training colleges. Each training provider offers different methods of training apprentices and trainees. The employer and their apprentice or trainee should shop around for the right one to suit both their needs. For a list go to http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/default.asp or phone 13 38 73.

4. Complete the paperwork

You will need to sign a legally binding contract documenting the roles and responsibilities of you and your employer. It is basically an agreement to work and train together for a length of time.

An AAC can assist you and there are over 500 across the country so phone 1800 639 629 or visit this website to find your local centre.

Employers with formal apprenticeship programs may have application steps and contracts already set up for prospective apprentices.

5. Utilise the probation period

A probation period usually lasts 90 days for an apprenticeship and 30 for a traineeship. It's a great time for both parties to decide if everything is working well. Before the end of this time, both you and your employer can decide whether you want to continue until the end of the training contract.

Get a head start

If you are still at school did you know there are a number of ways to improve your chances of landing an apprenticeship?

  • Choose the right subjects - some apprenticeships have prerequisite subjects. Speak to your careers advisor to find out more.
  • Many schools offer industry-accredited vocational and education (VTE) subjects.
  • Do an Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASBA). An ASBA allows you to finish Year 11 and 12 and start an apprenticeship at the same time. It's a great way of combining your school work while working and training in an industry area part-time. Talk to your careers advisor about the availabilty of an ASBA at your school. Or go to an Australian Technical College - there are currently 28 across Australia in areas where there are skills needs, a high youth population and a strong industry base. For more go to www.australiantechnicalcolleges.gov.au or call 1800 363 079.

WORD WATCH

ASBA - An Australian School-based Apprenticeship is a mix of academic, vocational and technical education and training and paid employment where a student's school studies, training and work all fit together. Young people can get a senior secondary certificate and credits towards a vocational qualification. Competency - is a statement outlining a key function of a job (for example, work effectively in a team environment). To successfully complete a qualification, students must be able to demonstrate that they can perform all the competencies that make up that qualification.

Competency-based training - places primary emphasis on what a person can do as a result of their training and experience. This means the time required to complete a competency-based apprenticeship is flexible.

Block release - When the apprentice or trainee is released for training for a certain 'block' of time such as: full-time for three weeks.

Day release - When the apprentice undertakes training on scheduled days. For example, one day a week over six months.