IS THERE REALLY A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRAINEESHIPS AND APPRENTICESHIPS?
Hold up - there's a difference between a traineeship and an apprenticeship? Can they both bring value to my career? Strap in, because your time in one of these could be the very thing that starts your career.
The main difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship is that a traineeship can happen in a broader range of occupations and is run either part-time or full-time, where you are employed and trained for typically between one to two years. An apprenticeship covers skilled trades and takes around four years to complete.
An apprenticeship is a structured training arrangement, which usually lasts three to four years. The training combines practical experience at work with complementary off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). On successful completion, you are issued with a nationally recognised qualification and you have on-the-job skills, which are highly regarded by many employers.
However, traineeship is a training agreement between the trainee and their respective employer: the employer agrees to train the trainee in a specific industry, and the trainee agrees to work and learn. Traineeships are available for people of all ages and usually last 1-2 years (but can last longer), depending on the vocation and certificate level undertaken.
But how do you choose one over the other? They both apply to different situations. In order to figure out which one suits you, we recommend doing some research into what exactly you want to get out of your new career!
HOW DO I FIGURE OUT IF I WANT TO DO AN APPRENTICESHIP OR TRAINEESHIP?
It’s very important to choose a career pathway that matches your abilities, interests and ambitions. When you work in a job that matches your “natural style” you’ll be happier, more productive and more motivated to build an ongoing and rewarding career pathway. Thinking about going into schooling but don't like the idea of doing a 3 or 4 year degree at uni? Want real-life, hands-on experience with the job or industry you're interested in? You’ve come to the right place! Skillsroad has a range of online tools to help you plan your career:
Research over 350 career profiles and match them against your Career Quiz results to see what interests you.
Go back to square one and discover your working personality and style. The Career Quiz will help you uncover your strengths and talents so you can make the right choices.
The Skillsroad Job Fit Test assesses your competencies and knowledge across two of the key areas required for career success: your ‘Work Readiness’ (knowledge of how to act and operate in a workplace) and your ‘Job Fitness’ against the selected jobs that tickle your interest.
Revisit your resumé and look at areas you can improve on. Check out our resumés and cover letter page for guidance.
Once you’ve completed the above steps, have a look at our Jobs board and apply for jobs. There are plenty of local apprenticeships and traineeship jobs available too.
WANT TO START AN APPRENTICESHIP OR TRAINEESHIP?
It takes a little bit of time and effort to organise yourself an apprenticeship or traineeship pathway, but once you're there it can be some of the most rewarding and structured learning you've ever had. Since unlike university all of your learning is hands-on doing the role, you'll come out of it with both the training, qualifications and experience to be able to slip straight into another job in the industry. It can be a really great idea for people who know what they want to do, and want to get into it straight away!