Step Two - Preparation

Preparing for an Apprenticeship

Now that you have done your research and know which apprenticeship or traineeship you want to do, the next step is to prepare yourself for the job!

A good place to start is by answering the below questions:

Do you have the skills and knowlege to start the apprenticeship or traineeship that you want?
Are you aware of pre-apprenticeships and understand how they are used in the industry you want to get in to?
Do you know which organisations will be part of your apprenticeship or traineeship, and what they do?
What is involved in the training?
What wages and entitlements would you get as an apprentice or trainee?

Use the resources on this page to help you find your answers and get you ready for job hunting!

Have you got the Literacy and Numeracy skills?

Once you know what industry you are interested in, complete an online interactive 10 question quiz to test whether you have the literacy and numeracy skills needed for an apprenticeship or traineeship in that area.

Each of these Literacy and Numeracy Quizzes will also have accompanying Practice Aptitude Quizzes that are more challenging for you to test yourself.

Try an interactive Quiz

Pre-apprenticeships

Pre-apprenticeship or pre-vocational courses are not a requirement to getting an apprenticeship or traineeship. However, there are some industries, such as the electrical industry, in which employers often prefer to hire someone who has completed a pre-apprenticeship.

Pre-apprenticeships give you the basic skills and knowledge in the industry that you want to work in and may even contribute to reduce the duration of an apprenticeship or traineeship.

More Information

Who is involved?

It is important that you have an understanding of which organisations are involved throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship. There are organisations that can help you understand the requirements, with job searching, and who will be involved when you get signed up.

Visit page

Understand how training works

Apprentices and trainees gain valuable experience and training on-the-job with their employer while also completing formal training towards a nationally recognised qualification with a Registered Training Organisation.

About training

Wages and conditions

Australian Apprenticeships wages and conditions, including for adult apprentices and trainees, are set out in awards and agreements that can vary from job to job, and from State to State.

It's essential to check with the Fair Work Ombudsman as they are the authority for information about wages and conditions.

Visit their website or call 13 13 94 for more information.

Fair Work Ombudsman

Next Step

Step Three - Job Hunting

Finding an apprenticeship or traineeship is much like finding any type of job: there are many different ways.

Job ads for apprenticeships and traineeships can be found in many places such as on the internet, on community bulletin boards and in newspapers.

Using contacts and targeting employers can be the most effective way of finding opportunities.

Step Two - Preparation

Preparing for an Apprenticeship

Have you got the Literacy and Numeracy skills?

Pre-apprenticeships

Who is involved?

Understand how training works

Wages and conditions

Next Step

Step Three - Job Hunting

Helpful links

BACK: Step One - Research

What are Pre-apprenticeships?

Wages & Financial Support for Apprentices

NEXT: Step Three - Job Hunting