Types of apprenticeships and traineeships
Full-time apprentice or trainee
Full-time apprentices and trainees work and train full-time, usually from 36 to 38 hours a week.
Traineeships vary in length from 12 months to three years, while apprenticeships can take up to four years to complete.
With the introduction of expected durations that set a target for early completions, it is likely that some apprenticeships could be completed faster than this.
For further information on expected durations, view the Length of apprenticeships and traineeships information sheet or visit the Apprenticeships and traineeships section of the Education and Training website.
Part-time apprentice or trainee
Part-time apprentices and trainees work and train no less than 15 hours each week, averaged over a four week cycle.
Adult and mature age
Apprenticeships aren't just for young people. There are many opportunities for older workers especially in skills shortage industries.
Your existing skills and experience may provide you with credit and may reduce your training time. Even if you have never formally studied or trained in a particular area, you may have gained knowledge and skills through your education, training, work and life experience.
Recognition of prior learning (also referred to as RPL or recognition of current competencies), is the formal recognition of a person's current skills and knowledge, no matter how, when or where the learning occurred.
Discuss the RPL process with your training organisation. For further information visit the Recognition of prior learning page on the Training website.
The following websites can provide more information about adult apprenticeships:
- Jobwise - Information for mature-aged people who are looking for work.
- Experience Pays Awareness Campaign - Age proofing our workplaces through the new Experience Pays Awareness campaign.
School-based apprentice or trainee
School-based apprentices and trainees undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship as part of their high school studies.
A school-based apprentice or trainee's employment and/or training arrangements must impact on their school timetable for the program to be considered school-based.
Read further information about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.
Apprentices and trainees employed by group training organisations
Apprentices and trainees employed by a group training organisation are placed with host employers to get on-the-job experience.
Existing workers employed as apprentices and trainees
Existing workers employed as apprentices and trainees commence an apprenticeship or traineeship after working with an employer for longer than three months full-time, or longer than 12 months on a part-time or casual basis.
Queensland Government apprenticeships and traineeships
'Earn-while-you-learn' with the Queensland Government - that's what apprenticeships and traineeships are all about.
Become an apprentice or trainee and you can:
- get paid while you learn
- gain valuable work experience
- have access to a range of benefits
- learn the latest knowledge and skills, and
- get a qualification that's recognised across Australia.
The Queensland Government offers full-time traineeships and school-based apprenticeships or traineeships each year in government agencies, including state government departments, local councils, statutory authorities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Councils and not-for-profit community organisations.
For more information on applying for one of these positions, search for vacancies directly through the Smart jobs and careers website.
