11:53 AM, 06 Dec 2019

Deciding on whether to do an apprenticeship or traineeship can be a difficult decision sometimes. While teachers and parents may advocate for a university degree or going straight into the work force with no further qualifications, there are a number of other options that you should also consider. 

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship or traineeship is a career pathway that combines paid employment with a specialised organisation and formal education. Businesses take on apprentices and trainees and teach them the skills needed for their specific industry through hands-on training, mentorship, supervision and skills progression. The formal education aspect is working towards completing a vocational and education training (VET) qualification, usually in the form of a certification, through a registered trade organisation (RTO), such as Charles Darwin University or TAFE. 

Traineeships tends to take less time to complete and are for vocational pathways including community services, business administration, accounting, IT, finance, youth work and other non trades related areas. Apprenticeships are related to the development of skills and experience in trade related roles in sectors such as carpentry, construction, automotive, electricians, etc. 

What will my Friends and Family Think?

Occasionally family and friends can be somewhat prejudiced against pursuing a trade-based career or skill qualification via an apprenticeship or traineeship.  While most individuals experience a high amount of support when making this decisions, there is still instances of negative bias towards these options as career choices. We disagree with this for a number of reasons! 

Apprentices and trainees begin earning a wage as soon as they begin with their chosen employer, resulting in them earning a salary while completing their training. Finding secure employment upon completion is also significantly easier for apprentices and trainees when compared with university graduates; more than 80% of apprentices find employment within 4 months of completion, compared with 72% of university graduates.  

How should I Begin?

Once you’ve decided to apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship you’ll need to figure out what sector you’d like to find one in. The process can be a bit overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with it, but luckily there are a number of resources to help you. As the largest employer of apprentices and trainees in the Northern Territoy, GTNT can help you find the right opportunity, which includes part or full-time employment with a relevant business!

Our Employment Specialist team will provide additional support and assistance as you settle into the training, as well as provide regular check-ins to make sure you are getting the most out of the opportunity. You can read more on our apprentice and trainee recruitment process here. 

You can also consider doing an apprenticeship or traineeship while still at school! GTNT School-based apprenticeships enable you to gain a vocational and technical qualification while completing your school studies. Your career advisers and teachers will know if you are able to undertake an Apprenticeship while you are studying for your NTCET and can assist you in choosing the most suitable subjects. School-based Apprenticeships are a great career option for students in Year 11 and Year 12.

Alternatively you can get started straight away by visiting our Jobs Board and seeing what apprentice and trainee vacancies are currently available!