Australian Apprenticeships

The objective of the Australian Apprenticeship programme is to develop a more skilled Australian workforce that delivers long-term benefits for our nation and our international competitiveness.

Australian Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age and do not require any entry qualifications. You can be a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or simply wishing to change careers.

Australian Apprenticeships are available in a variety of certificate levels in more than 500 occupations across Australia, in traditional trades, as well as a diverse range of emerging careers in most sectors of business and industry.

Australian Apprenticeships Centres are contracted by the Australian Government to provide one-stop shops for those seeking to hire Australian Apprentices or to take up an Australian Apprenticeship as a career path.

The latest figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research show there were 397,400 Australian Apprentices in training (as at the December quarter 2006).

The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive Programme supports Australian Apprentices (both traineeships and apprenticeships) with a system of financial incentives. Providing employers of new entrant workers with standard incentives of up to $4,000 for Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Certificate III and IV level qualifications and $1,250 for Certificate II level qualifications. The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive Programme encourages employers to offer the kinds of employment-related training opportunities that will encourage people to acquire and expand their working skills. It also encourages people to take up such employment-related training opportunities.

Visit the Australian Apprenticeships website at www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au You are now leaving the DEST website to find out more information on the types of traineeships and apprenticeships available.