Why Start an Apprenticeship/Traineeship?
- Training is fully Government funded for eligible applicants.
- You receive an internationally recognised qualification on completion.
- Assessment is done while you work so there is minimal book-work.
- No classes to attend and no time off work is required.
- ICAE’s trainers visit you at your workplace.
Why Employ a Trainee/Apprentice?
- Training comes at no cost to you as the employer.
- Employers are usually eligible for Government incentives.
- Your staff don’t have to take time off work for study.
- ICAE’s trainers fit into your operational schedule.
- Your employees gain industry knowledge and a qualification.
More Information for Apprentices and Trainees
As an apprentice you are Apprenticeships and traineeships combine employment with structured training, resulting in a nationally recognised qualification. These programs are ‘competency based’, meaning apprentices/trainees complete their training whenever they have reached the skill level required. Many of ICAE’s apprentices and trainees undertake their training at their place of employment; however, it is possible to start an Australian Apprenticeship while still at school.
Getting Started
First you should apply to become an apprentice/trainee using our application form. Once you have done that, ICAE will contact you and go through the details on what your responsibilites are and how to proceed.
Generally to get started you will need to do the following:
- Complete our apprenticeship/traineeship application form.
- ICAE will send your details to the Australian Apprenticeship Centre (AAC).
- The AAC will contact you and arrange an appointment with you and your employer to sign a training contract.
- Once your contract is signed ICAE will commence your training.
Apprentice and Trainee FAQ
What is the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?
Apprenticeships are usually completed in traditional trade fields, for example, commercial cookery, hairdressing, diesel fitting and construction.
Traineeships are usually completed in non-trade fields, for example, business, hospitality, retail and community services.
Do I have to pay to become an apprentice or trainee?
No as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for government funding.
What are the eligibility requirements for government funding?
Generally, to be eligible to receive government funding for your apprenticeship or traineeship you should:
- be an Australian resident or citizen, a New Zealand citizen or a dependent of a 457 visa holder.
- be a permanent full-time or part-time employee (not casual).
- be employed in a role that matches your chosen course. For example, cookery apprentices should work in the kitchen and hospitality trainees should work in front of house.
- For business trainees only – you must start training within 90 days of commencing employment.
- NOT have already received government funding for a traineeship or apprenticeship.
Some conditions may differ depending on your situation so to find out if you are eligible, please contact ICAE.
What are the fields of study available?
ICAE’s most popular subjects are business, hospitality and commercial cookery. If you are interested in undertaking an appreticeship in another field of study, please contact ICAE and we will let you know if we can help.
What qualification will I receive when I complete my apprenticeship?
This will depend on your field of study and how far you want to go. Many of ICAE’s apprentices and trainees finish with a Certificate III level qualification. However, there are often options to complete a higher qualification (such as Cert IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma) or finish early with a Certificate I or II.
How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship?
This will depend on the qualification you decide to complete, your previous experience in the industry and your commitment to your studies. The great thing about completing your apprenticeship with ICAE is that your study is directly related to your employment so just by doing your job you are learning!
What does my study entail?
You will be required to complete practical assessments, workplace observations and written assignments. Training is usually done at your workplace so you don’t need to take time of work to come to class.
More Information for Employers
The training for an Australian Apprenticeship is delivered by ICAE, a Registered Training Organisation and we have been successfully delivering apprenticeships and traineeships since 1998. The training is publicly funded so there is no training cost to the employer and User Choice arrangements mean that employers can negotiate the timing, location and nature of the training.
Employer FAQ
Does it cost me anything to put my staff on apprenticeships or traineeships?
Provided the employee meets the eligibility requirements for government funding it does not cost you anything to have your staff complete apprenticeships or traineeships. In fact, you may be eligible for government incentives just for employing a trainee or apprentice.
How much do I get in Government incentives?
Government incentives for employers vary depending on the qualification, sector and the individual’s situation. You can find out more on our employer incentives page.
Do I have to give the employee time off work for training?
No. However, you will need to allow ICAE’s training staff into the workplace to conduct training. We can customise training schedules to fit in with your quiet periods to ensure the training integrates seamlessly with your operations.
What if my staff are already experienced?
No problem. ICAE can undertake recognition of prior learning to give credit for your employees’ prior experience. This is advantageous to all parties as it expedites the training process and lessens the workload.