When hiring and signing up an apprentice or trainee, your first thought is probably to look for someone just out of school – but these days, apprenticeships and traineeships can also be undertaken by high school students, as well as adult and mature-aged workers.
So, who can be an apprentice or trainee? Just about anyone!
-
TitleSchool-based apprentices and trainees
An Australian School-based ¸Ø½»ÊÓƵshipÌý(AS-bA) provides students with the opportunity to commence vocational learning and part-time paid employment while still at secondary school (generally while in years 10-12).
They can either finish their training while they’re at school or continue their apprenticeship/traineeship with you once they’ve completed secondary school.Ìý
By giving a young person both experience and skills training while they are still at school, you may be eligible to receiveÌýGovernment financial incentives.
-
Title¸Ø½»ÊÓƵs and trainees
Generally, apprentices or trainees are school-leavers or those entering the workforce for the first time. They'll usually work full-time, combining on-the-job training with formal study through a Registered Training Organisation. It’s a great way for workers to gain a nationally accredited qualification and earn a real wage - all while helping your business grow!
As with school-based apprentices and trainees, you may be eligible for Government financial incentives when you sign up an apprentice or trainee.
-
TitleAdult apprentices and trainees
Adult Australian ¸Ø½»ÊÓƵs are aged 21-44 and are usually looking to change their career path or re-enter the workforce after a period of absence (travel, starting a family, etc.).
Adult apprentices who are undertaking a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to an occupation on the National Skills Needs List () may be eligible to attract the Support for Adult Australian ¸Ø½»ÊÓƵs (SAAA) incentive which is paid to their employer - i.e. you!ÌýFind out what that means here.
-
TitleMature-aged apprentices and trainees
Aged 45 and over, mature-aged workers are generally wanting to formalise the skills they've gained throughout their working life. A mature-aged apprentice or trainee can add value to your business through low absenteeism, business knowledge from their previous life and work experience PLUS a strong work ethic.
By assisting a mature-aged worker in re-entering the workforce, transferring industries and training for a new vocation through an Australian ¸Ø½»ÊÓƵship, employers may be eligible for Government financial incentives. We explain that in more detail here.
