Apprenticeships and traineeships are available to anyone of working age
You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver or if you are re-entering the workforce or if you are an adult worker wanting to change careers. You do not need a secondary school certificate or other qualification to do an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Apprenticeships and traineeships offer opportunities for you to train and earn as you learn at a variety of qualification levels (from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma) in most occupations as well as in traditional trades. You can combine time at work with training and can be either full-time, part-time or school-based.
Once completed, you will have a nationally recognised qualification that can take you anywhere in Australia and that is held in high regard in many other countries as well.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
If you are still at school, you can do a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) as part of your Stage 6 (Years 11 & 12) program. This enables you to combine your vocational program with paid on-the-job training that provides credit towards your HSC and may also count towards your ATAR. Note that not all SBATs provide an ATAR pathway. You can check here for traineeships or here for apprenticeships.
Click here to view the SBATs careers available for the services sector.
Funding under Smart and Skilled
NSW Government funding is available for the formal training component of apprenticeships and most traineeships. Under Smart and Skilled, all apprenticeship and most traineeship qualifications are subsidised. Training for existing-worker trainees is not subsidised.
Visit Training Services NSW, Smart and Skilled – Qualification prices, student fees and subsidies Smart and Skilled prices and fees web page to find out more about the funding available.
Visit Training Services NSW, Smart and Skilled apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications to find out what NSW apprenticeships and traineeships are available.
Supervisors of apprentices and trainees
Free workshops are available from Training Services NSW for supervisors of apprentices or trainees. These workshops provide valuable information and are held in a range of regional across NSW. In the workshops you will learn:
- how to effectively supervise and “coach” apprentices & trainees
- the importance of effective communication in the workplace
- what to expect from the training provider - arranging training that works for you and your business
- practical ideas to help address workplace bullying and harassment issues
- about Training Services NSW - who are they and how they support you and your apprentice/trainee.
For a list of upcoming Supervisor Workshops and information on how to register, please click here.
