Apprenticeships and traineeships

• a great way to get a head start in a chosen career
• paid work and structured training that can be on-the-job, off-the-job or a
   combination of both
• competency-based which means you can complete your training faster if
   you reach the required skills level
• existing skills and prior experience may be recognised and course credit
   granted, potentially reducing formal training time
• available as full-time or part-time, also available part-time in many schools.
• leads to nationally recognised qualifications and skills which provide the basis for further education and 
   training over the course of your working life
• a pathway from school to work.

An apprenticeship or traineeship is a training contract between an employer and an employee in which the apprentice or trainee learns the skills needed for a particular occupation or trade.

An apprenticeship or traineeship can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis and can be used as a valuable stepping stone to start a career in an industry you want to work in.

The main difference between apprenticeships and traineeships is the amount of time it takes to qualify. Apprenticeships are generally traditional trade occupations and take around 3 to 4 years. Traineeships are generally new and emerging qualifications and are usually 12 to 24 months in duration.

Apprenticeships

Under an apprenticeship:

• • an employer agrees to employ you for the term of the apprenticeship and to support you in your training for
    that period of time, and you agree to follow instruction and attend off-the-job and/or workplace-based training
  • if your employer sells the business during your apprenticeship, the new employer must continue with the 
     training contract
  • once the probationary period of the training contract has passed, all parties must agree in order for the 
     contract to be cancelled.

Traineeships

Under a traineeship:

• an employer agrees to employ you for the term of the traineeship and to support you in your training for that 
   period of time, and you agree to follow instruction and attend structured training
• if the business is sold, the new employer does not have to keep you on as a trainee
• either party may cancel the contract by signing a cancellation form or letter stating the date of cancellation. 
   Mutual agreement is not required.

To find out which apprenticeships and traineeships are available in your State or Territory, contact your local MEGT Institute state office.

Pre-apprenticeships

MEGT Institute offers apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training for people interested in entering or furthering their career in the carpentry industry. For more information follow this link for a brochure.