If you’ve made up your mind on the trade that you want to pursue, then you’re probably considering taking up an apprenticeship.
The Australian government states that Australian Apprenticeships – referred to as traineeships or apprenticeships – are available to anyone of working age, regardless of whether you have a secondary school certificate or qualification.
High school students can take on a school-based apprenticeship allowing them to train for a trade while still studying in school, and mature age apprenticeships are available for the older workforce who want to add a new skill set or change careers.
Age restrictions
The minimum age for an apprenticeship or traineeship is generally limited to individuals aged 16 and over or who have completed year 10 schooling.
Those under the age of 18 at the start of the Australian Apprenticeship must have a parent or guardian sign the training contract.
The parent or guardian is a party to the training contract, meaning that they must ensure that the apprentice or trainee “upholds all the responsibilities” of the training contract, while they are aged under 18.
Some age restrictions apply to certain apprenticeships and traineeships due to Queensland legislation.
If you are pursuing a school-based apprenticeship, you can search on the Queensland Training Information Service (QTIS) website to view the minimum age requirements.
Already employed?
If you’re already employed you can still take on an Australian Apprenticeship, with the options of having a school-based, full-time or part-time apprenticeship or traineeship.
In a part-time apprenticeship or traineeship you’re required to work a minimum of 15 hours per week, averaged over each four-week period for the length of your Australian Apprenticeship.
Casual employees are not eligible for part-time apprenticeships or traineeships, because there is “no guaranteed pattern of work”, which the Queensland government states is a requirement of a training contract.
Prepare your CV
Make your CV stand out by personalising it for the apprenticeship role you’re applying for.
Note down the relevant skills and experience you have related to the apprenticeship role you want, also giving, if you like, a quick spiel of why you want to pursue the apprenticeship and what you hope to achieve.
Research your apprenticeship
Make sure to do your homework on your selected apprenticeship role so that you know what is required of you when you step in the workplace.
Your potential employer may also ask you a few questions about the role, and it will work in your favour if you know a few things about what is expected in the job.
