Benefits of an apprenticeship or traineeship
✔ Get paid a weekly wage ✔ Choice of over 50 trades
✔ Get paid to learn ✔ Receive all relevant tools & uniforms
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship offers you the opportunity to ‘LEARN and EARN’. In effect you are paid while learning the skills needed for a particular trade by a qualified and experienced tradesperson(s). Apprenticeships are work based training programs designed to give you a hands-on, practical approach to learning in combination with some TAFE/RTO based studies. They are a great way to become skilled at a trade and obtain a nationally recognised qualification at the same time.
When undertaking an apprenticeship you will sign a Training Agreement for a period of 3 to 4 years (depending on the trade) and complete a Registered Training Organisation course (RTO) either 1 day a week, or in blocks throughout the first 3 years. The final year of an apprenticeship is usually spent solely on the job putting into practice what you have learnt.
There are many great benefits to becoming an apprentice or a trainee including:
real life work experience;
paid work while you earn your qualification;
flexible learning options (structured training on-the-job, off-the-job or a combination of both);
an agreement that covers your wage and your training entitlements;
a nationally recognised qualification at the end of your agreed training time and a pathway that opens the door to higher qualifications, all the way to a degree if you want; and
a career path that can start straight out of Year 10 or for those looking to upskill or re-train at a later stage of their working life.
You don’t need prior experience or formal academic requirements to start most apprenticeships so they are an ideal choice for school leavers. Many jobs still require some basic Maths and English however, so it is a good idea to ensure you know your basics. All our vacancies require some pre-employment assessments be done, including these topics.
While many apprentices are employed straight out of school, our hosts are increasingly looking at older people to take on in these roles. Mature age apprentices are becoming more and more prevalent.
What is a traineeship?
A traineeship is a structured training program that offers a valuable alternative for any person wishing to gain a qualification while working and being paid. Similar to an apprenticeship a traineeship offers you the opportunity to ‘Learn and Earn’, but are generally for a shorter duration of 1 to 2 years.
As a trainee you learn on-the-job under the mentorship of a supervisor. You will also be required to work with a trainer from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and complete assessments to complete your qualification.
There are many great benefits to becoming a trainee including:
real life work experience;
being paid while you earn your qualification;
flexible learning options;
an agreement with Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre that covers your wage and your training entitlements;
a nationally recognised qualification at the end of your agreed training time and a pathway that opens the door to higher qualifications, all the way to a degree if you want; and
a career path that can start straight out of Year 10.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?
Apprenticeships and traineeships share many similarities and all will give you agreed wages, a training plan, nationally recognised qualifications and a pathway to further professional training and development.
There are however, some small differences relating to employment conditions, length of time necessary to complete training, type of training undertaken and wages depending on the industry you wish to work in. As a general rule, apprenticeships are usually for a longer duration, 3 to 4 years than most traineeships at 1 to 2 years.
What are the benefits of doing a work-based training program?
Completing a work based training program such as an apprenticeship or traineeship will provide you with:
a wage while you learn;
an opportunity to develop practical, on-the-job skills specifically for the trade you are interested in;
provide you with a hands-on learning approach, as opposed to a classroom based learning approach;
a certificate for a nationally recognised qualification; and
the pathway to higher qualifications – all the way to a degree if you choose.
What types of career options are available?
Australian apprenticeships and traineeships are available in a variety of certificate levels in more than 500 occupations across Australia. These are in traditional trades as well as many other emerging careers in most sectors of business and industry, with a full list available on the Australian Apprenticeships website.
GTES regularly have a range of apprenticeship trades including (but not limited to):
Air-conditioning/Refrigeration Mechanical;
Electrical/Electrotechnology;
Electrical Instrumentation;
Engineering – Fitter / Machinist;
Engineering – Heavy Fabrication (Boilermaker);
Engineering – Light Fabrication (Sheetmetal);
Engineering – Maintenance Fitter, and Toolmaker;
Automotive – Diesel Fitter/Mechanic;
Automotive – Mechanic;
Building and Construction – Carpentry;
Building and Construction – Tiling;
Building and Construction – Bricklaying;
Building and Construction – Plumbing
Horticulture & Landscaping;
Our traineeships generally covered include (but are not limited to):
Business;
Warehousing;
Telecommunication
Automotive Spare Parts Interpreter;
Local Government
Information Technology; and
Engineering Production.
What happens if work runs out?
If the workplace runs out of work or the business folds, for many apprentices and trainees they are out of a job.
As a GTES apprentice or trainee you have the added security of being connected to a whole range of businesses. If your work runs out with one host company we will move you to another so you get to finish the qualification you signed on for.
What will I be paid?
You will be paid under the conditions of the appropriate Award depending on the apprenticeship or traineeship that you are completing. Our hosts often reward great work and may pay over Award conditions. Find out more at:
Fair Work Australia: Apprentice & trainee pay rates
How do I apply?
You can;
Complete our expression of interest form
Visit our “Current Vacancies”
Get in touch via our “Contact us” or
Email us at recruitment@gtes.com.au