Apprenticeships and Traineeships
What are Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Apprenticeships and Traineeships are an excellent way to combine training with work, enabling you to have a job while you complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. They are available to anyone of working age.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships typically take three or fours years to complete and traditionally cover skilled trade areas such as engineering and metal fabrication, automotive and mechanical, construction and building and electrical; as well as hairdressing, landscaping, hospitality and cookery.
An apprenticeship is a structured program with a combination of on the job and off the job training, were you gain hands-on skills and knowledge.
Upon successful completion, apprentices become a qualified tradesperson.
What is a Traineeship?
Traineeships can take between one to two years to complete and offer a broader range of vocational and occupational choices - anything from multimedia and information technology, through to sport and fitness, agriculture, music, aged care, civil engineering, and business.
A traineeship provides hand-on skills and work experience and can improve your employment prospects and range of career choices.
Upon successful completion, a trainee will receive a nationally recognised qualification in their chosen vocational area.
Who is Eligible for Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Apprenticeships and Traineeships are available to anyone of working age. You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult worker simply wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school in years 11 and 12. Individuals must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold with one of the following approved Visa Types
- Sub-class 309, 444, 785, 790, or 820 visa holders
- Secondary holders of a temporary visa, specifically sub-class 457or 482
- Holders of a Bridging Visa E (subclasses 050 and 051) who have applied for subclass 785 or 790 visas
- Ukraine citizens holding a visa sub-class 449 or 786
- Afghan citizens holding a visa sub-class 449
- Holders of a bridging visa eligible for who have applied for a subclass 866 visa.
- Reside in Western Australia
- Be aged 16 years or over
There may be additional eligibilities discussed upon signing up as an Apprentice or Trainee with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider.
How to Apply for Apprenticeships and Traineeships
To apply for an Apprenticeship or Traineeship speak with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider.
AASN providers are contracted by the Australian Government to provide free support services to apprentices and employers. They provide free advise and support services tailored to the needs of employers and apprentices throughout the apprenticeship lifecycle - from pre-commencement to completion, through their:
- universal services for all employers and apprentices, providing essential administrative support and regular contact; and
- targeted services for employers and individuals assessed as needing additional support to complete the apprenticeship.
AASN providers also provide pre-commencement services including screening, testing and job matching to targeted clients to get the right apprentice in the right apprenticeship with the right employer. AASN providers also engage with the Department of Training and Workforce Development's Apprenticeship Office to help manage the training contract, training plan approvals and completion arrangements. In addition, they can offer, as requested, in-training support services such as mentoring, which will help apprentices and employers at risk of not completing their apprenticeship arrangement to work through issues and difficulties.
Search the Australian Apprenticeships website or call 1800 020 108 to find an AASN provider in your area.
Once you have signed up as an apprenticeship or trainee and your training contract has been registered with the Apprenticeship Office, Irrigation Australia will be notified and will contact you regarding completing the enrolment into the course.
Fees associated with Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Currently there are two key components to the Apprenticeships and Traineeships Funded program, the State Funded amount and a co-contribution fee payable by either the student or the student's employer.
The co-contribution fee is payable in advance of commencement and is calculated by the nominal hours of the course. Irrigation Australia then claims the balance of training costs directly from the Western Australia Government upon successful completion of each part of the course.
Existing Worker Trainees:
| Concession Status |
Rate (per nominal hour) |
Total Nominal Hours |
Total Course Co-Contribution Fee |
| Non-Concession |
$5.79 |
853 |
$4,938.87 |
| Concession |
$1.74 |
853 |
$1,484.22 |
New Entrant Trainees:
| Concession Status |
Rate (per nominal hour) |
Total Nominal Hours |
Total Course Co-Contribution Fee |
| Non-Concession |
$3.25 |
853 |
$2,722.25 |
| Concession |
$0.97 |
853 |
$827.41 |
The Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as resource fees and other fees
Fee caps
For secondary school-aged persons not enrolled at school, or secondary school-aged persons in their final year of school who will not, after the completion of that year be enrolled at a secondary school, the maximum course fee chargeable in 2024 is $420. The maximum is the total fee for all courses the student is enrolled in.
Further Information
For further information on Apprenticeships and Traineeships visit the following sites:
Jobs and Skills
https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/training#subsidised-training
https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/training/apprenticeships-and-traineeships
Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office
https://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/apprenticeship-office