So your child wants to do an apprenticeship.
Awesome!
Apprenticeships are a fantastic learning opportunity for your child, providing an opportunity to mix on-the-job training with paid work.
It’s a pretty powerful combo of hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge and equips Australians with the practical skills and formal education required for more than 500 different jobs.
Yup, 500.
All while getting paid.
Australian apprenticeships:
- Are typically undertaken by school leavers but can be done by anyone of working age, such as those re-entering the workforce or adults wanting to change careers.
- Are structured training agreements combining practical work experience with approved, suitable employers with off-the-job training by a Registered Training Organisation.
- Offer the opportunity to learn and earn while obtaining qualifications ranging from Certificate II to Advanced diplomas in traditional trades and emerging occupations in most sectors of business and industry.
- Usually, take around 3.5 or 4 years to complete full-time, but are flexible and can be undertaken part-time (or even while someone’s still at school).
- Are recognised in Australia and around the world.
Once completed, Apprentices are issued a nationally-recognised qualification, all while entering the workforce with a resume boasting a host of on-the-job skills that employers value.
That means they’re more likely to land a full-time position in a career they love – from the get-go!
So how can you guide your child into landing the apprenticeship that’s right for them?
According to Australian Apprenticeships, the first step you need to do is contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (Apprenticeship Network) provider, who’ll:
- Help your child find an employer and Registered Training Organisation to complete their training (check out MySkills Training Provider Search here)
- Provide a training contract for you and your employer to sign to facilitate the Apprenticeship
- Assess your child’s eligibility for a Trade Support Loan and other payments
- Provide advice and support to you during your apprenticeship
(Source: Australian Apprenticeships)
But wait, what was that about getting paid?
In a nutshell, your employment conditions as an Apprentice are the same as any other employee.
And since wages, conditions, and entitlements depend on the Apprenticeship, it’s best to head to the Fair Work Ombudsman website, which breaks down wages to expect depending on the industry and skill-level.
For more info about Australian Apprenticeships and other frequently asked questions, check out the Information for Apprentices Factsheet.To find out more about Government incentives for Australian Apprenticeships (including funding eligibility!) head to the Apprenticeship Support Australia website.
