About Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Apprenticeships and Traineeships are jobs that combine structured training with real work. They provide an opportunity to earn while you learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification. Taking on an apprenticeship or traineeship with a Group Training Organisation (GTO) such as Golden West Apprenticeships provides you with much-needed support and mentoring throughout your training.

At Golden West we have more than 30 years’ experience guiding apprentices and trainees to complete their trade or professional qualifications. As an apprentice or trainee with Golden West you become our employee. We take on all the responsibilities as your employer and place you with a Host Employer business that will provide the requirements of your training on-the-job. 

As a Golden West apprentice or trainee you will:

  • Receive full on-the-job training and supervision.
  • Work in a supportive and professional team environment.
  • Learn from a team of industry experts.
  • Be allocated time for your study or to attend external training.
  • Be assigned a dedicated Training & Employment Coordinator.
  • Receive mentoring and pastoral care through your training.
  • Be provided every opportunity to complete a trade or professional qualification.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships provide many benefits including:

  • A wage from day one.
  • Hands-on training and experience in a real job.
  • Paid work while you earn your qualification.
  • A nationally recognised qualification.
  • A pathway to a future career.

Facts on Apprenticeships

  • There are more than 140 career choices. 
  • When completed, an apprenticeship will provide a nationally-recognised trade qualification at Certificate Level III or above.
  • Training occurs both on and off-the-job and will involve some form of external college training with a Supervised Registered Training Organisation (SRTO) such as TAFE or a private training provider.
  • Apprenticeship training may be fully funded by the State government, however small tuition fees can apply.
  • Apprenticeships can be available on a full-time, part-time or school-based basis.
  • An apprenticeship is paid employment under the relevant industrial agreement – you will be earning while you are learning.
  • A Training Contract is signed between the apprentice and employer.
  • Some can take up to four years to complete successfully.

Why become an Apprentice of Trainee?

Apprenticeships and traineeships are a great career pathway to learn new skills and get paid at the same time. Because you are working in a real job while you are learning, you get exposure to real-life situations and learn how to deal with them in a support environment.

Facts on Traineeships

  • A Traineeship provides a nationally recognised qualification at Certificate Level II, III or IV.
  • Training occurs both on and off-the-job, however in the majority of cases the training can be completed fully on the job with the help of a Supervised Registered Training Organisation (SRTO) such as TAFE, an Agricultural College or a private training provider.
  • Traineeship training may be fully funded by the State government, however small tuition fees nat apply for Traineeships at Certificate Level III and above.
  • Can be full-time, part-time or school-based.
  • Paid employment under the relevant industrial agreement – earn while you learn.
  • A Training Contract is signed between the trainee and employer.
  • Can take between 12 months to 3 years to complete successfully.

Facts on School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

It is possible to start an apprenticeship or a traineeship while still at school.

School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships provide an opportunity for students to undertake structured industry training both on and off-the-job. Students who are generally in Years 10, 11 and 12 are able to start an apprenticeship or traineeship.

The school-based program is designed to introduce students to the work environment while still attending school and provide structured industry based training at a Certificate Level II or III.

Hear from our apprentices about why you should consider an apprenticeship or traineeship:

Common Questions Common Questions

An apprentice is a person who has commenced employment in an apprenticeship.  As an apprentice, you’ll combine on-the-job training from your host employer, with training from your Registered Training Provider.

Apprenticeship will take 3 to 4 years (full-time) to complete, and upon completion you receive your trade certificate.

Apprentices can be full-time, part-time or school-based.  They can be undertaken by both young and mature-aged jobseekers.

A trainee is a person who has commenced employment in a traineeship.  As a trainee, you’ll combine on-the-job training from your host employer, with training from your Registered Training Provider.

Traineeships usually take 1 to 2 years to complete, and upon completion you receive a certificate.

Trainees can be full-time, part-time or school-based.  They can be undertaken by both young and mature-aged jobseekers.

To apply for an apprenticeship with Golden West, simply complete the registration process online and apply for the apprenticeship or traineeship you are interested in.  Click here to register as a new job seeker with Golden West.

If you have any questions about the process, please feel free to email our friendly recruitment team at recruitment@goldenwest.org.au

Ready to Apply?

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