If you’re nearly done with school (congrats, by the way!), it’s pretty common to be bombarded with one very confronting question: ‘What’s next?’
While there’s a lot of information out there about what your next steps after school could be, a lot of it is geared towards university and degree pathways. Don’t get us wrong; we love university! And getting a degree is never going to be a bad thing to do, but it’s only one way to get into the career of your dreams.
So, to help you explore all of your options, we’ve put together a guide outlining how traineeships and apprenticeships differ from university degrees! With insider info that answers burning questions like ‘what is a traineeship,’ ‘how long is an apprenticeship,’ ‘how to get an apprenticeship,’ and ‘what kind of apprenticeship wage to expect’, you’ll come away with all the knowledge you need to kickstart an incredible career. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in!
What’s the Difference Between an Apprenticeship and a Traineeship?
The biggest difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship is how they’re structured in terms of duration, qualification level, and career outcomes.
Apprenticeships tend to take longer because they lead to higher-level certifications and more specialised skills. Traineeships are shorter and are designed to get you job-ready faster for roles that may not need the same depth of technical training.
Another key difference is how you’re paid: apprenticeship wages often increase over time as you gain experience, while traineeship wages are generally set at a fixed rate under the National Training Wage. Ultimately, both are great options depending on the kind of career you’re aiming for, but understanding the difference between an apprenticeship and traineeship can help you choose the path that fits you best.
Want to go even deeper? Let’s break it down:
What is a Traineeship?
Essentially, a traineeship is a structured training program that lets you work while studying towards a certificate qualification that can help you excel in industries like business, retail, health, or community services (to name a few).
Traineeships are perfect if you’re looking to upskill quickly and get into the workforce sooner.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship, on the other hand, is common in trades like plumbing, carpentry, mechanics, and electrical, but also exists in areas like IT, hairdressing, and more.
You’ll combine paid, on-the-job experience with classroom-based learning. The end goal? A nationally recognised qualification and hands-on skills to launch your career. While apprenticeships usually take a bit longer than a traineeship, they go deeper into the skillset and set you up for a fulfilling career.
Discover How Apprenticeships and Traineeships Work
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training with working in your chosen industry and, thus, differ greatly from university degrees!
You’ll split your time between studying in a classroom and working on-site as an employee. This allows you to put all your classroom knowledge directly into action. Many apprenticeship and traineeship assessments are also conducted in the workplace so you’ll get hands-on experience and start building some valuable industry connections!
Apprentices and trainees work towards completing a nationally recognised qualification relevant to their chosen industry while learning valuable skills at work under the guidance of a training organisation. This might be a TAFE, or another registered training organisation (RTO) approved to deliver and assess industry qualifications for apprenticeships.
The best part? There’s no cost to you, as your qualification fees are covered by your employer or local government!
Start an Apprenticeship or Traineeship While You’re Studying!
Want to get started straight away? Great news: that’s totally possible!
Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASbA), also known as school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, are like any other apprenticeship or traineeship but they’re commenced part-time as part of your secondary schooling. You can usually commence a school-based apprenticeship from year nine.
You’ll earn a wage, work with an employer, and gain an accredited qualification alongside completing your high school certificate. Once you finish school, you can enter the workforce or continue with your studies through a higher-level. 
FAQ: All About Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some of the most popular questions about apprenticeships and traineeships in Australia! Trust us, if there’s something you want to know, it’s probably covered in the section below!
Question: How Long is an Apprenticeship or Traineeship?
Answer: Apprenticeships usually take between three to four years to complete because they involve learning more complex, hands-on skills in technical trades.
Traineeships are shorter, typically one to two years, making them a faster route into the workforce. Both options allow you to earn while you learn, but the time commitment can be a big deciding factor when choosing which one suits your lifestyle and career goals.
Question: Can You Do Apprenticeships Part-Time?
Answer: You can totally do an apprenticeship part-time! Many students kickstart their careers early with a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. In fact, you can start as early as Year 9 and balance part-time work with school commitments.
You’ll still be able to earn a traineeship or apprenticeship wage, gain experience, and graduate with a head start! How cool is that?
Question: What’s the Difference Between Apprenticeship Wages and Traineeship Wages?
Answer: Apprenticeship wages are determined by the industry and the level you study at, but you can check out all the details by heading to the government’s Fair Work website. Your wage typically increases the more qualified you become.
Alternatively, traineeship wages have a set rate across all industries, established by the National Training Wage.
Question: What’s the Difference Between Apprenticeship and Traineeship Qualifications
Answer: The main difference between apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications lies in the level and depth of training involved. Apprenticeships typically start at Certificate III and can go up to Certificate IV or even Diploma level, especially in trades like plumbing, electrical, or automotive. They provide specialised, hands-on training that leads to highly skilled roles.
In contrast, traineeships usually start at Certificate II or III and are designed for quicker entry into roles such as business, retail, or health services. These qualifications focus on foundational skills and may lead to further study or job progression. You can explore qualification levels further through My Skills and the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways website.
Question: Can I Finish my Apprenticeship Without an Employer in Australia?
Answer: Unfortunately, you can’t finish your apprenticeship without an employer. You need an employer to complete the on-the-job training component; after all, it’s a core part of the qualification. If your apprenticeship is interrupted, your training provider or local support network can help you find a new employer to keep things on track.
Not sure how to get an apprenticeship? Start by checking with your school, local TAFE, or through Australian Apprenticeship Support Networks. They help connect you with employers and training organisations.
Question: Is it Better to Go to University or Do an Apprenticeship?
Answer: The key to deciding whether to go to university or complete alternative education pathways is understanding how traineeships and apprenticeships differ from university. Aside from that, it’s also worth knowing the two aren’t mutually exclusive.
There’s no reason you can’t complete an apprenticeship to get your foot on the ladder and decide down the line that you want to gain a degree now you know you’ve found the industry you’re passionate about and what to learn more.
Spend time thinking about your overall career goals and what you want to achieve in life, alongside what’s important to you at this moment in your life and the future. Weigh these things up against the pros and cons of university and apprenticeships.
Question: How Can I Find Out More About Apprenticeships in My State?
Answer: You can find out more information about apprenticeship and traineeship pathways in your state through the following:
The Job and Training Descriptions Search: This lets you see what apprenticeships and traineeships are available in your state or territory.
Local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers: Providers can discuss what’s available in your location and the employers you could work with.
Your state or territory Department of Education and Training: These departments have lists of the apprenticeships and traineeships available and all other relevant details.
Choosing the Right Apprenticeship for You
Now that we’ve covered all of the most frequently asked questions and outlined how apprenticeships differ from university degrees, it’s time to dive into the fun part: choosing the right apprenticeship for you!
Most people know about the traditional pathways, such as carpentry, plumbing, automotive mechanics and electrician roles. But there are thousands of other jobs in a variety of industries that you can do an Australian apprenticeship or traineeship in.
Here are just a few of the industries for grabs:
- Animal care and management.
- Business Services
- Community Services
- Creative arts and culture
- Financial services
- Floristry
- Hospitality and tourism
- Sports, fitness and recreation
- Training and education
- Transport and logistics
You can find out more about all the different roles available in each industry through the Job Pathway Charts put together by the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways website. And if you’re still unsure about which path to choose, start your journey with our free career quiz to see what kind of industries you might enjoy most!
What is the Best Apprenticeship or Traineeship to Do?
This really comes down to you, your interests, passions and where you see yourself building your future career!
When considering an apprenticeship, it’s worth thinking about:
- Your progression opportunities throughout your training and once you qualify.
- The demands of your qualification, average study hours per week, and support available.
- How you will be assessed.
- Where you’ll work and if it’s a good fit for you. (Some apprenticeships and traineeships are available directly through employers, others you may go through the training provider.)
- What other apprentices and trainees have to say about their experience.
Next Steps
We hope that’s answered some of your most pressing questions, but if there’s anything we’ve missed or you’ve got a question you want help with about apprenticeships and traineeships, we’re all ears!
To learn more about how you can prepare for the workforce, head to our career advice column today and start building the future you truly want.
