Trades and apprenticeships
A trade can lead to steady work, good earnings and, for many, a business of their own. Most trades start with an apprenticeship - paid work with structured training. This guide explains how apprenticeships work, how to find one, where to get free help, and what comes after you qualify.
In short
- An apprenticeship combines paid work with structured training, usually leading to a nationally recognised qualification.
- Apprentice Connect Australia Providers give free support to apprentices and employers, from finding a placement to finishing.
- You can start an apprenticeship at any age, and school-based apprenticeships let students start while still at school.
- Many trades need a state or territory licence once you're qualified, before you can work unsupervised or contract.
- Check pay and conditions with the Fair Work Ombudsman, and ask about government financial support for apprentices.
How apprenticeships work
An apprenticeship (or traineeship) combines paid work with structured training, usually leading to a nationally recognised qualification such as a Certificate III. You work for an employer and learn on the job, and attend training with a TAFE or other registered training organisation, often in blocks or one day a week.
- Length: typically up to four years for a trade, depending on the qualification and your progress. Traineeships in other occupations are often shorter.
- Full-time, part-time or school-based: students can start a school-based apprenticeship while finishing school.
- At any age: you can start an apprenticeship at any stage of life, including as a career change. See Changing careers.
Popular trades
| Trade | What the work involves |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Installing and maintaining wiring, switchboards, lighting and solar systems |
| Plumber and gas fitter | Water, drainage, gas and roofing systems |
| Carpenter and joiner | Framing, fit-outs, doors, stairs and cabinetry |
| Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic | Installing and servicing cooling and refrigeration systems |
| Motor mechanic | Servicing and repairing vehicles, including electric vehicles |
| Chef and cook | Commercial kitchens, from cafés to large venues |
| Hairdresser | Cutting, colouring and styling, often leading to running a salon |
| Bricklayer, tiler, painter, landscaper | Building and finishing work |
Use the government’s Your Career website to compare occupations, pay, outlook and training pathways. See How to choose a career.
Finding an apprenticeship
- Choose a trade: talk to people who do it, and try work experience if you can.
- Find an employer: look at job ads, contact businesses in your area directly, ask family and friends, or approach a group training organisation, which employs apprentices and places them with host businesses.
- Contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider. These providers give free support and information to apprentices and employers throughout an apprenticeship. Find one through the provider search.
- Sign up: the provider helps you and your employer complete a training contract and choose a training provider.
Support while you train
- Your provider can help with problems at work or in training, and check what support you may be eligible for.
- Financial support: the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has information on financial support for apprentices, including Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans.
- Pay and conditions: apprentices are employees. Pay rates and conditions depend on the relevant award and your circumstances. Check with the Fair Work Ombudsman rather than relying on this guide.
- Safety: you should get proper training and supervision. Speak up if something seems unsafe. See Workplace health and safety.
After you qualify: licences
Finishing your qualification doesn’t always mean you can work on your own.
- Occupational licences: many trades, including electrical, plumbing, gas fitting, and air conditioning and refrigeration, need a licence from your state or territory before you can work unsupervised.
- Contractor licences: to contract for work in your own right, especially building work above certain values, many states require a separate contractor licence.
- Other cards: for example, the construction induction “white card” for building sites.
Check with your state or territory’s licensing or fair trading body.
Running your own trade business
Many tradespeople go on to start their own business, often after a few years’ experience. Plan for quoting, pricing, licences, insurance, contracts and getting paid. See Running a trade business and How to start a business in Australia.
Common questions
How do I become an apprentice in Australia?
Choose the trade you want, find an employer willing to take you on, and contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider. Providers are free, and help apprentices and employers sign up, arrange training and access support throughout the apprenticeship.
Can I start an apprenticeship as an adult?
Yes. You can start an apprenticeship at any stage of life, and many people move into a trade after other work. Your existing skills may also count towards your qualification through recognition of prior learning.
Do I get paid as an apprentice?
Yes. Apprentices are employees and are paid while they train. Pay and conditions depend on the award and your circumstances, so check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s information. You may also be eligible for government financial support for apprentices.
Do I need a licence after finishing my apprenticeship?
Many trades, such as electrical, plumbing and gas fitting, need a state or territory licence before you can work unsupervised, and contracting for work often needs a separate contractor licence. Check with your state’s licensing body.