Apprentices and trainees learn a trade or vocation.
You achieve your qualification through:
- paid work
- learning from experienced people at work
- structured learning with a registered training organisation (RTO).
You need to be 15 years old to start an apprenticeship or traineeship. Find out how to become an apprentice or trainee from Apprenticeships Victoria. You can also search for an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider.
You can begin an apprenticeship or traineeship while you are still at school. This is a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT). You can find more information about doing an SBAT from the Department of Education or Head Start.
Signing a training contract
When you start your apprenticeship or traineeship, you and your employer must agree to a training contract.
The training contract will say:
- what type of apprenticeship or traineeship you are doing
- who your RTO is
- what qualification you receive when you finish.
We are responsible for registering training contracts in Victoria.
You will also agree to a training plan. This will include the formal and on-the-job training you will do to learn your trade or occupation.
You and your employer must agree on your training contract and training plan. If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian will also need to sign the contract.
We make sure your employer follows the training contract and training plan.
Find out more information about training contracts.
Wages and conditions
You can find out about wages and conditions for apprentices and trainees from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
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