Apprenticeships and traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships are employment arrangements for a set training period. 

Apprenticeships and traineeships are both forms of employment in which employees are engaged for a set period to undertake training.

Generally, apprentices train to do the work of tradespeople while trainees are involved in learning the skills of non-trades occupations.  Apprenticeships and traineeships involve a registered training agreement and structured training leading to a recognised qualification.  For most apprentices and trainees, training occurs out of work as well as on the job. There is Government assistance available for employing trainees and apprentices.

All traineeships and apprenticeships must be registered with the WA Department of Training.  For information on the registration requirements and incentives available employers should contact their nearest New Apprenticeship Centre.  Call 13 38 73 or visit their website for more information.

A full list of apprenticeship available in Western Australia can be found on the Apprenticeships website.

Many awards and agreements set out the rates of pay applicable to apprentices and trainees.  Where no award or agreement applies, the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act provides a specific minimum wage for apprentices and trainees  Employers should contact Wageline on 1300 655 266 for more information. 

Apprenticeships and traineeships are fixed term contracts for a set period of training, and there is no legal obligation to continue employment once this contract ends.  Many employers choose to continue to employ apprentices or trainees at the end of the training contract because by then they are skilled and experienced employees who know the business and the customers.