Train as a trainee
Study a traineeship with TAFE Queensland and combine practical work experience with a formal qualification. Traineeships combine what you are learning in the workplace with a qualification from TAFE Queensland, so you’ll get paid to work and study.
TAFE Queensland trainees are trained in vocational areas including early childhood education and business.
Become an expert in your trade
The idea of an apprenticeship dates back to our earliest times—a master craftsperson would pass their skills on to another (often a younger person)—to ensure their skills, craft and legacy were passed on to the next generation.
As an apprentice today the general concept remains unchanged, and you will work closely with your employer observing and shadowing them, learning their trade. You will complete tasks alongside of them, and gradually transition to working more independently. You will earn a wage at the same time, and as you grow more skilled so will your earning potential.
Quick facts
- Earn a wage while you work towards becoming trade qualified
- Benefit from on and off-the job training with your employer and TAFE Queensland
- Traineeships can be full-time, part-time or school-based
- Full-time trainees work and train around 38 hours per week and have ongoing employment
- Part-time trainees work on a regular basis, and work and train no less than 15 hours per week
- You can become a trainee if you are an existing employee
- We work with you and your employer to develop a training plan
- When you do training with TAFE Queensland it will be block training at one of our campuses, in the workplace, online/virtual classroom or a combination of these
Requirements
To become a trainee in most occupations you must be 13 years or older. If you are under 18 years at the commencement of your apprenticeship your parent or guardian will need to provide signed consent.
Trainees require an employer to enter into a training contract. A training contract is a legally binding document that sets out an agreement between you and your employer – to work and train together for the length of the traineeship.
Duration
A traineeship will take around 1 to 2 years to complete full-time or part-time equivalent.
Train with us
You will also receive formal training from us throughout the duration of your traineeship.
As a trainee time spent with our teachers will help give you a different perspective to the learning you’ve done on-site with your employer. This is important as you build your skillset in your occupation, making sure that you are well-rounded when you complete your qualification.
During the TAFE Queensland sign-up process we will discuss training delivery options with you. These include online, on-campus (such as block training) or workplace delivery. Sometimes there is a combination of these. Delivery mode options change depending on the qualification type and location.
Our block training is the traditional way apprenticeship training is delivered. You will come into one of our campuses to learn on industry-standard technology. Block training takes place over one to four weeks. You receive your standard wage while you are attending training. During your block you will receive instruction on the different competencies in your training plan and you will be assessed to determine your proficiency.
We have workplace-based options for a number of our qualifications. One of our teachers will attend your workplace to conduct training, assessment and observation of the skills you’ve learned with your employer.
We offer some online and virtual options for training, assessment and observation. Often online delivery is focused on theoretical learning rather than practical. Often online or virtual classroom is used to augment or complement your face-to-face learning rather than replace it.
Costs
The Queensland Government contributes towards the costs of your apprenticeship or traineeship. There will also be an enrolment fee, as set by the Queensland Government, which you will need to pay before you start classes or training. In some cases, your employer may pay this fee for you.
Without payment, your training may cease and you and your employer may need to renegotiate when your training will next occur. This may also affect your progression and salary level increases.
Currently, no enrolment fees apply for apprentices or trainees who are under 21 or who are school-based. From time-to-time, other government funding may also be available.