Why do an apprenticeship or traineeship?
Apprenticeships or traineeships are great ways to kickstart your career. They boost your skills, improve your chances of getting a good job, and increase your earning power.
Get paid
Traineeships and apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn. What’s more, the progressive pay scale automatically increases as your skills increase. The level of pay depends on your employer and the specific skills you are learning. But compared to going to uni (where you may have to work at night or on weekends to earn some money), you're going to be better off financially. Some people can’t afford to leave the workforce to enter a training program or enrol in a course, so traineeships and apprenticeships are a good alternative.
Learn new skills
Traineeships and apprenticeships are great examples of the ‘learning by doing’ approach to education. Some people don’t enjoy learning in the traditional classroom environment; some might just be looking for a change or a new challenge. If you prefer to do something more hands-on and practical, enjoy variety and meeting new challenges, then traineeships and apprenticeships could be for you.
The real on-the-job work complements what you learn at TAFE or other training organisation. And while on-the-job you learn methods from your supervisor which you wouldn’t necessarily get from the classroom.
Get qualified
You gain a qualification that is recognised right across Australia, with evidence that you have the skills required. If you move to another job, future employers know they won’t need to spend a lot of time training you, and that you’ll have the ability to get on with the job quickly.
Get good jobs
There just aren’t enough skilled people to fill jobs, so once you’re qualified you’re going to be in demand. This means you’ll be busy and most likely paid well too.
Keep on learning
Extra qualifications such as in frontline management have helped many qualified apprentices and trainees move into leadership roles, enhancing their career paths while improving the quality of their business operations.
Example
You might start by doing a Certificate I in Engineering, then complete both Certificate II in Engineering and Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade. Later, as a trainee and employed in the industry, you could enrol in Certificate IV Frontline Management, ‘designed for managers and supervisors or staff seeking those positions’. If you successfully complete this you would be then be eligible for entry into the Diploma of Management.
Many TAFE graduates follow specialist interests and seek additional qualifications during their careers. If you have a supportive employer, you could continue to study for higher qualifications part-time while still earning a wage, thereby avoiding the huge HECS debts that full-time undergraduates build up. And many universities are making it easier for people with TAFE and other vocational education qualifications to enter university, in an effort to help solve future workforce shortages in key industries.
Financial incentives
There are also lots of financial incentives provided by government: clothing allowances, free toolkits, travel concessions - even rebates on your car registration - to name just a few.
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