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Become an apprentice or trainee
Becoming an apprentice or trainee could be one of the best things you do. You will learn from an employer who will mentor you, earn a wage and do some formal training with us. Your apprentice and traineeship will give you the skills to take on the world and make something of yourself.
Apprenticeship vs traineeship
Although there are some similarities between apprenticeships and traineeships there are some important differences.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships typically take about 3 to 4 years to complete. They are available in trade areas such as building and construction, plumbing, cookery, hairdressing). On completion you will be trade qualified, with a nationally recognised qualification at certificate III or IV level.
Considering an apprenticeship? Learn more
Traineeships
Traineeships typically take about 1 to 2 years to complete. They are available in other vocational areas such as business, tourism, horticulture. On completion you will have important skills for your occupation and a nationally recognised qualification at certificate III or IV level.
Considering an traineeship? Learn more
Becoming an apprentice or trainee
STEP 1
Find an employer who is willing to take you on.
Take advantage or our employer-apprentice matching service
STEP 2
Complete a training contract to make the arrangement official.
STEP 3
As part of the training contract discussion you should choose TAFE Queensland so that you can access industry expert teachers, and industry-standard facilities and equipment – some of which is world-class, if not the best in the world.
STEP 4
Begin your apprenticeship.
Finding an employer
You will need an employer in your chosen area willing to employ you as an apprentice or trainee. If you don’t have an employer in mind, or you’re just starting to look consider the following:
Our Find Your Apprentice Service
Our Find Your Apprentice service connects employers to prospective apprentices. Sign-up and we’ll let you know if something becomes available.
Sign-up to the Find Your Apprentice Service
Job sites
You can use internet job search engines to help find an employer. We suggest you enter a job title of 'apprentice' as well as your chosen industry in the search field. Other sites include Australian Government's JobActive page, Smartjobs for Queensland Government apprenticeships and traineeships or the Queensland local council job vacancies.
Other ways to find an employer – the direct approach
Sometimes making an approach to an employer is one of the best ways to get noticed. Make sure you have your resume, and contact the business you are interested in working in. Taking that first step can show a prospective employer that you’re not only interested in becoming an apprentice but working for their business.
Australian Apprenticeship Support Network
Try contacting an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider or group training organisation.
Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers work with employers and apprentices to complete the training contract. AASNs often have jobs boards and extensive networks, which means they often know who is looking for an apprentice.
A group training organisation employs apprentices and trainees and places them with different businesses, host employers, and organises training. Contact the Apprentice Employment Network on 1800 819 747 for local GTOs.