We’re here to make things easier by decoding the jargon and busting some common myths about apprenticeships.
Learning more about doing an apprenticeship or traineeship can sometimes feel like information overload. There are so many different parts and lots to consider before making your decision. Here’s the most frequently asked questions from people considering an apprenticeship.
To start an apprenticeship or traineeship you simply need to be of working age, and an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
You do not need a previous qualification to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship, but completing a pre-vocational qualification (e.g. Certificate II in Engineering Pathways) while at school will be sought after by employers. Experience such as working as a trade assistant will also be an advantage.
Yes. An apprenticeship involves gaining practical, hands-on work experience and also completing a nationally accredited Vocational qualification in the trade of your choosing (e.g. Certificate III in Engineering - Electrical/Electronic Trade). This grants you the status of a fully qualified tradesperson upon completion. A trainee will usually work toward a Certificate III or higher, generally (but not always) in non-trade pathways, such as business administration, warehousing, IT or retail.
No, not usually. There are course fees associated with completing the “off-the-job” training (Vocational qualification) required as part of a traineeship or apprenticeship. These fees are generally subsidised by User Choice funding for Australian Apprenticeships or covered by the modern award set by the Fair Work Commission.
MIGAS also provides uniforms and personal protective equipment as part of your employment.
There may be some costs around getting yourself to and from work or training.
Apprentices are paid under a relevant award rate or under agreement with their employer, which means it’s not as simple as stating a figure or dollar amount. Some Host Employers also choose to pay above the Award rate.
Apprentices typically move up to the next level of pay as they progress through their apprenticeship which generally takes four years to complete, and up to two years for a traineeship. There’s also a range of entitlements for apprentices set out by the Fair Work Ombudsman. You can also calculate an estimate of your pay based on the relevant award using the government’s pay calculator.
Learn about additional income support options here.
Securing an apprenticeship or traineeship is just like applying for a job.
That means you’ll need an up to date resume which includes details of your work experience (paid and/or volunteer), education and skills. Fresh out of school and haven’t gained any work experience yet? That’s ok! School leavers are sought after by employers looking for apprentices. Include the subjects you did at school and any awards or community programs you took part in. A reference from a supportive teach or school leader will also help.
If you secure an apprenticeship with MIGAS, you will be contractually employed by MIGAS. As part of an apprenticeship or traineeship you will undertake the practical or on-the-job training with a host employer. Host employers are businesses that work together with MIGAS to find apprentices to be part of their workforce. This means that although you’ll be directly employed by MIGAS, you will work day-to-day at your assigned host employer.
The single biggest difference between the two types is time and type…
Apprenticeships typically take four years to complete and traditionally cover skilled trade areas such as engineering and metal fabrication, automotive and mechanical, construction and building and electrical specialisations.
Traineeships offer a broader range of occupational choices – anything from agriculture, to hospitality, and business. The training component of a traineeship is usually shorter and can take between one to two years to complete.
Yes, they’re called school-based apprenticeships. They enable high school students in Years 10, 11 or 12 to work for an employer and train towards a recognised qualification while completing their secondary schooling. You can do a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship and still study towards an ATAR or OP.
Yes. Apprentices can sometimes become unemployed or “out-of-trade” before they have completed the training. MIGAS regularly advertises for these apprenticeship positions in various trades. Employers may also need an apprentice with a bit more experience to complement their existing apprentice pool or to shadow their tradespeople. In most cases your previous training credits will count towards your new training contract – MIGAS can arrange this for you.
From time to time a host employer can no longer continue an apprentice’s placement at their workplace. It’s situation like this that MIGAS can really help. Because we work with a large range of host employers, we’re able to source another placement with a new host employer to enable you to finish your apprenticeship.
