Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Trade Pathways

Build skills, gain experience and earn while you learn

Whether you're taking your first step into a trade, looking to build a career through an apprenticeship or traineeship, or ready to take your skills to the next level, Central Regional TAFE can help you achieve your goals.

Through apprenticeships, traineeships, pre-apprenticeships and post-trade qualifications, you'll gain practical experience, earn while you learn and develop the industry-recognised skills employers are looking for.

These training pathways combine real workplace experience with practical, job-focused training, helping you build confidence, develop in-demand skills and create opportunities for your future.

Find the right pathway for you

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training, allowing you to learn valuable skills while working in your chosen industry. Apprenticeships typically take three to four years to complete and lead to a nationally recognised trade qualification.

As an apprentice, you'll combine paid employment, workplace experience and structured TAFE training while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Traineeships

Traineeships combine paid employment with vocational training and are available across a broad range of industries, including business, hospitality, information technology and more.

Traineeships typically run for 12 months or longer and provide practical skills, industry experience and nationally recognised qualifications that can open doors to future employment opportunities.

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships give full-time secondary students the opportunity to prepare themselves for a career in the workforce while completing school.

Students work towards secondary graduation and an industry-recognised qualification at the same time, gaining practical workplace experience and valuable industry knowledge along the way.

Pre-apprenticeships

A pre-apprenticeship is an excellent way to explore a trade before committing to an apprenticeship.

Students gain practical skills, industry knowledge and workplace experience, helping them build confidence and strengthen future apprenticeship applications. Employers often look favourably on applicants who have completed a pre-apprenticeship.

Explore Apprenticeship Courses

Post-trade qualifications

Already qualified and looking to build your skills?

Post-trade qualifications can help you broaden your expertise, increase employability and prepare for more specialised or senior roles within your industry.

Whether you're looking to upskill, move into leadership roles or specialise in your field, post-trade qualifications can help you take the next step in your career.

Explore Post-Trade Qualifications

Information for employers

Employing an apprentice or trainee is an investment in the future of your business.

Apprentices and trainees help businesses build capability, grow a skilled workforce and develop team members who understand the values, culture and expectations of the workplace.

Central Regional TAFE works alongside employers to deliver training, develop training plans, assess competency and support successful outcomes for both employers and apprentices.

Why employ an apprentice or trainee?

Apprentices and trainees can bring energy, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to your workplace while developing the skills your business needs.

Benefits may include:

Developing skills specific to your business
Building a qualified workforce
Supporting succession planning
Increasing workforce capability
Encouraging long-term staff retention

Growing future talent within your organisation

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships allow secondary students to gain workplace experience and complete industry-recognised training while still at school.

These programs help build future workforce capability while supporting students to explore career pathways and develop practical skills before entering the workforce full-time.

Existing worker traineeships

Existing worker traineeships allow current employees to gain nationally recognised qualifications while continuing in their role.

These programs support workforce development, upskilling and career progression while helping businesses build capability from within.

Supporting apprentices and trainees

Once you have recruited an apprentice or trainee, Central Regional TAFE will work with you and your employee throughout their training journey.

We help develop training plans, deliver training, assess competency and support successful completion of qualifications.

Employers and apprentices are required to enter into a training contract with support from an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider.

Apprentices and trainees complete a combination of workplace learning and formal training. Depending on the qualification, training may be delivered on campus, in the workplace or through other agreed delivery methods.

Employer obligations

Employers play an important role in supporting apprentices and trainees throughout their training.

This includes providing appropriate supervision, workplace learning opportunities, time to attend training and support to complete workplace requirements associated with their qualification.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?

Apprenticeships are generally trade-based qualifications that combine paid employment with training over three to four years.

Traineeships are typically completed over 12 months or more and focus on vocational occupations across a range of industries.

How do I get an apprenticeship or traineeship?

Apprenticeships and traineeships are employment-based training programs, which means you'll generally need to secure employment with an employer before commencing training.

If you're unsure where to start, our team can help you understand available pathways, training requirements and next steps.

What is an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN)?

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers support employers, apprentices and trainees throughout the apprenticeship journey. They assist with training contracts, administration, government incentives and ongoing support.

An AASN provider is usually the first point of contact when starting an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Australian Apprenticeships Support Network (AASN)(opens in a new tab)

Are financial incentives available?

Financial incentives may be available through the Western Australian and Australian Governments to assist eligible employers with the cost of employing apprentices and trainees. Support may also be available for eligible apprentices and trainees.

Employer Incentives(opens in a new tab)

Do I need an employer before I start an apprenticeship or traineeship?

Yes. Apprenticeships and traineeships are employment-based training programs, which means an employer is generally required before a training contract can begin.

For prospective apprentices and trainees, this means you'll usually need to secure employment with an employer before commencing an apprenticeship or traineeship. If you're not yet employed, a pre-apprenticeship can be a great way to gain practical skills, industry knowledge and workplace experience while preparing for future opportunities.

For employers, once you have identified a suitable apprentice or trainee, an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider can assist with establishing the training contract and connecting you with a training provider. Central Regional TAFE will then work with you and your apprentice or trainee to develop a Training Plan and support the training journey.

Australian Apprenticeships Support Network (AASN)(opens in a new tab)

Apprenticeship Office(opens in a new tab)

Can I complete a pre-apprenticeship before applying for an apprenticeship?

Yes. Completing a pre-apprenticeship can provide practical skills, workplace experience and a competitive advantage when applying for apprenticeship opportunities.

It can also help you determine whether a trade or industry is the right fit before committing to a full apprenticeship.

What is a Training Plan?

A Training Plan is developed between the apprentice or trainee, employer and Central Regional TAFE. It outlines the training and assessment requirements, workplace learning requirements, training delivery arrangements and responsibilities of each party.

Training Plans help ensure everyone understands their role throughout the apprenticeship or traineeship.

What support is available during my apprenticeship or traineeship?

Central Regional TAFE works closely with apprentices, trainees and employers to deliver training, monitor progress and provide support throughout the training journey.

Our teams are available to help with enrolment, training requirements, student support and general enquiries.

What is the Apprenticeship Office?

An AASN provider is usually the first point of contact when starting an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Apprenticeships Office(opens in a new tab)

Phone: 13 19 54
Email: apprenticeshipoffice@dtwd.wa.gov.au

Is travel assistance available?

Some apprentices may be eligible for travel and accommodation assistance when travelling long distances to attend off-the-job training. Eligibility requirements apply and support is administered through the Apprenticeship Office.

Travel and Accommodation Assistance(opens in a new tab)

What licences or industry requirements may apply?

Some apprenticeship qualifications have additional licensing or regulatory requirements.

For example:

Electrical apprentices require a Training Licence before attending training.
Plumbing apprentices may require specific licences before undertaking gas-related units.

Additional licensing requirements vary between industries and qualifications.

Apprenticeship Office(opens in a new tab)

What happens when an apprenticeship or traineeship is completed?

An apprenticeship or traineeship is completed when all workplace and training requirements have been successfully achieved.

Once completion requirements have been met, relevant documentation is processed through Central Regional TAFE and the Apprenticeship Office.

Graduates may then move directly into employment, continue working with their employer or progress into post-trade qualifications and further study opportunities.

Can I continue studying after I become qualified?

Yes. Post-trade qualifications and higher-level training opportunities can help you specialise, upskill and progress your career.

Many graduates continue their training to gain advanced skills, leadership capabilities or specialised industry knowledge.