Joshua Houghton
In 2007 Joshua Houghton was undertaking the Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Systems Electrician) in Dubbo and his progress was full of distinctions and credits. Joshua’s aim is simply to be the best he can at his chosen trade. “I would like to own my own business and contribute to the industry by giving apprentices the opportunities I have had,” he said. “TAFE has taught me the knowledge to perform my job competently and professionally.”
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Apprenticeships and Traineeships are a notable feature of Australia's Vocational Education Training (VET) system. Training and employment is combined under a legal contract between the Apprentice (or Trainees), a training provider (TAFE) and an employer.
Apprentices and Trainees receive a training wage which increases as they progress. In some cases, group training organisations employ the Apprentice or Trainee and place them with a suitable employer.
Today, Apprenticeships and Traineeships are available to all age groups, and can be undertaken on a part-time basis (where available) or full-time. Apprenticeships and Traineeships can also be undertaken by students in secondary school.
Traineeships
Traineeships combine employment and training opportunities in areas not generally covered by Apprenticeships.
A Traineeship combines work and training in a formal training contract between a Trainee and an employer. The employer agrees to employ the Trainee for the period of the program (usually one to two years) and provides workplace training. During the period of the Traineeship ‘off-the-job' training is provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) such as TAFE Western Institute.
There are no upper age limits for Trainees although some industries have minimum age requirements. For example, the hospitality industry may have age restrictions for the serving of alcohol.
Features of a Traineeship:
- Paid employment for 1 to 3 years under an appropriate industrial arrangement
- A training contract signed by both employer and apprentice and registered with the NSW Department of Education and Training
- A training program, delivered by an RTO, that leads to a nationally recognised qualification
- Financial incentives from the government for both employers and Trainees.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships usually last four years and cover traditional trade areas. An Apprenticeship is a combination of work and structured training which leads to a nationally recognised trade qualification
The qualifications needed to become a licensed tradesperson are determined by different industries and authorities. Information about licensing in NSW can be found at the Department of Fair Trading
Features of Apprenticeships:
- Paid employment under an appropriate industrial arrangement
- A training contract signed by both employer and apprentice and registered with the NSW Department of Education and Training
- A training program, delivered by a registered training organisation, that leads to a nationally recognised qualification
The Australian Apprenticeships website contains detailed information about traineeships and apprenticeships. The centre can also be contacted on 13 38 73.