Apprenticeships and traineeships

An apprenticeship involves full-time work with an employer who provides an opportunity to learn all aspects of a trade. This is a structured program for a fixed period of time and while you learn on the job you also attend off the job training at a TAFEWA college or another registered training organisation (one that has been approved by the Government).

Some of the benefits of an apprenticeship are that you can:

• earn a wage while you train
• learn on the job skills combined with off the job training
• receive a nationally recognised qualification
• start a valuable step towards a rewarding career.

In a traineeship you also gain hands-on skills and work experience, and improve your employment prospects, while earning a wage. You also get a nationally recognised qualification which can lead to rewarding career options.

The difference between a traineeship and an apprenticeship is that a traineeship can be either a full-time or part-time employment based training arrangement, usually for around 12 months (apprenticeships usually last for two and a half to three years) and is generally in a non-trade related area.

Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.

If you choose this option your parent/carer will need to complete a form. You can then either give it to your school (the one you are just about to leave) or, for a quicker response, send it direct to:

Participation Unit
Department of Education and Training
151 Royal Street
EAST PERTH WA 6004

An apprenticeship or traineeship can be started while you are still at school. As you will be considered to be in school full-time there are no forms to complete.