Australian Apprentices and Trainees undertake a combination of on-the-job training through their employment and off-the-job training at a Registered Training Organisation, such as a TAFE or private provider.
On completion, Australian Apprentices are awarded a formal qualification at a Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level by their Registered Training Organisation. This can lead into higher level qualifications including university studies, and may count towards eligibility criteria. Trade qualifications may also lead to trade papers and licences in some areas.
Australian School-based Apprenticeships may count towards the student's high school certificate of education.
During their training apprentices and trainees gain between 12 months and 4 years of employment experience. This training relates directly to the development of skills needed in the workplace. Apprentice and trainee graduates have the highest rates of employment of any education graduates, including university!