An apprenticeship is a way to learn skills and gain a qualification while you are working. It involves both on and off-the-job learning at a TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

The first step towards becoming an apprentice is to find an employer to take you on. They can be a single tradesperson, a large company or a Group Training Organisation. In the construction industry, most employers prefer people who have completed a pre-apprenticeship course.

There is a minimum age of 15 to start an apprenticeship but there is no maximum age restriction. Most apprenticeships take four years but they are now based on competencies learned, rather than just time served, which means the faster you learn, the quicker you gain your qualification. Doing a 13-week pre-apprenticeship course can also help reduce the time of an apprenticeship.

It is important to know that while you are training you may be eligible for government allowances, such as the Youth Allowance when doing a pre-apprenticeship course, a Living Away from Home allowance if you are living away from home or a Health Care Card, which may provide a range of entitlements and discounts.

Contact the Incolink Employment Service and ask for the Apprentice Support Officer. Telephone 9639 3000.

For more information about apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, call the Apprenticeship Administration Branch on 1300 722 603 or the TAFE Course Info Line on 131 823 or click on the Links in this section.