What you need to know about apprenticeships and traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships

Information for parents and guardians 

An apprenticeship or traineeship is a great way for your child to pursue a career via a structured learning pathway once they leave school. This usually combines paid, on-the-job training with an employer with formal study at TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). 

If they are at school, they may wish to consider an Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) while they work toward completing their Year 10 or 12 certificate. This usually combines three days at school each week with one at TAFE or an RTO and one with their employer.

What are the benefits?

There are a wide range of benefits to becoming an apprentice or trainee, including:

  • On-the-job training delivering real, hands-on experience
  • A nationally recognised qualification improving employability
  • Access to a wide range of careers in both blue- and white-collar industries
  • The opportunity to earn a reliable income while learning new skills
  • No HECS or HELP debts to pay off
  • A pathway to further training or study
  • Professional support through our Career Hub and Mentoring Services
  • Potential for financial support 
  • In some states, the outcome of an ASbA can positively contribute to secondary school graduation results

What are the requirements?

The basic requirements to commence an apprenticeship or traineeship are:

  • Minimum age of 15
  • Consent from the parent or guardian if the child is under 18
  • In some cases, a pre-apprenticeship or other basic training
  • Requirement to follow occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines
  • What guidance and support will my child receive?

    When your child signs up as an apprentice or trainee, they’ll benefit from the services and support of our Career Hub and Mentoring Services teams. 

    Career Hub

    Career Hub is your gateway to our dedicated Job Board where your child can browse or search for an apprenticeship or traineeship that suits them.

    When your child registers for Career Hub, they’ll be prompted to upload their resume and complete a skills assessment. This information will be added to any of the job applications they submit via the Job Board. 

    If they’re not sure which career option is best for them the career quiz can help. When your child submits their responses, the system will output a shortlist of recommended occupations to narrow down their search.

    Upon registering with Career Hub, our friendly Career Hub team will contact your child to see how they can offer extra support. This may include career advice, or help with their job search, resume or job applications.

    Mentoring Services

    An apprenticeship or traineeship involves a bit of juggling, and we understand that. So, when your child registers as an apprentice or trainee, they’ll receive free access to our confidential Mentoring Services. This service is designed to help them overcome any difficulties that may arise at work, study, or in their personal life. Our mentors can:

    • Develop a plan to keep them at work and help them finish their studies
    • Make regular site visits or phone calls to discuss any work-based challenges
    • Connect them to professional support services if and when required
  • Government financial and other support

    When your child signs on for an apprenticeship or traineeship, they may be eligible for a range of financial and non-financial government supports, outlined below.

    Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment 

    Apprentices or trainees who are pursuing an occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List (Priority List) may be entitled to the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment (AATSP). 

    New Energy Apprentice Support Payment 

    The New Energy Apprentice Support Payment (NEASP) provides up to a maximum of $10,000 in direct financial assistance, over the life of the Australian Apprenticeship, to Australian Apprentices (AAs) commencing in an occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List (Priority List) and identified as a clean energy occupation.

    Living Away from Home Allowance

    The Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA) provides support to eligible apprentices and trainees who need to move away from their parental or legal guardian’s home for the first time to:

    • Begin an apprenticeship or traineeship
    • Remain in an apprenticeship or traineeship
    • Receive essential supplementary on-the-job training with another employer

    Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans

    An interest-free contingent loan known as ‘Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans' (AASL) are also available to help apprentices and trainees cover their living expenses. It’s important to note, however, that the loan is repaid through the tax system after they reach the minimum repayment threshold ($51,550 for FY24).

    Additional support for Women in Trades

    The government is offering non-financial support to women in trade occupations from the Priority List. This includes personalised advice and information about their career, and access to career and industry mentoring, professional networks, entrepreneurship training and pastoral care.

Find out more

For more information on apprenticeships and traineeships, call us on 13 MEGT (6348), email anpinfo@megt.com.au or visit https://www.megt.com.au/apprentices-and-trainees