Apprenticeships & Traineeships
There are 5 steps to getting started in an apprenticeship or traineeship.
- Choose the right apprenticeship or traineeship
- Find an employer
- Choose a training provider (Southbank Institute of Technology)
- Complete the paperwork
- Use the probation period to be sure
1. Chose the right apprenticeship or traineeship
To help you decide which apprenticeship or traineeship you want to undertake, browse the list of apprenticeships or traineeships on the Queensland Training Database.
2. Find an employer
Once you have decided which apprenticeship or traineeship you want to do, you will need to find an employer who will give you a job. You can do this by:
- contacting a Job Network member to obtain a list of job vacancies in your area. Call 13 62 68 or visit www.jobnetwork.gov.au
- contacting employers directly - either in person or through a letter
- contacting a group training organisation directly or calling 1800 819 747 to find a group training organisation that can place you with a host employer
- applying for jobs advertised in the newspaper
- searching the internet - visit www.jobsearch.gov.au
- using your personal networks - talk to family and friends to see if they know anyone who could employ you as an apprentice or trainee.
3. Choose a training provider
This is where we can help you. Contact our Student Services Centre or search our programs section to find the most suitable apprenticeship program.
4. Complete the paperwork
A training contract is a legally binding document signed by you, as the apprentice or trainee, and your employer. It is an agreement to work and train together for a length of time.
New apprenticeships centres can assist you and your employer to complete the training contract and can be contacted on 13 38 73 (local call cost within Australia).
A training plan is also required to be developed to make sure you learn new skills. The training plan sets out what you will learn, where you learn it, how often you will be trained, and how and when you will be assessed. It is designed by you, your employer and your training provider.
5. Use the probation period to be sure
Probation is a period of time when an apprentice or trainee works and trains with their employer before each decides whether to continue with the apprenticeship or traineeship. Probation usually lasts 90 days for an apprenticeship and 30 days for a traineeship.
Before the end of probation, you and your employer must both decide whether you want to continue with the apprenticeship or traineeship and complete the training contract. If you both decide to continue, you and your employer agree to work together for the length of the training contract.
To find out more about the above steps and how to get started in your apprenticeship or traineeship, visit the Training and Employment web site.
Last updated 7 August, 2008