Job Seeker FAQs

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

There is no difference between the Certificate levels of an apprenticeship or traineeship, however, generally an apprenticeship will take 3 to 4 years to complete while a traineeship can take between 1 to 3 years to complete.

There are over one hundred different apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications, from business administration through to engineering. Learn more about each of the different qualifications by clicking on the industries below:

• Construction
• Engineering
• Hospitality
• Business Administration
• Agriculture
• Automotive
• Health
• Electrical

For more information about apprenticeships and traineeships visit the Queensland Government Training Information Service here.

If you’re not sure what type of apprenticeship is right for you – try our Career Quiz by clicking here.

Apprenticeships can generally be completed in three to four years (full-time), and a traineeship can take between 12 months and three years (full-time).

Apprenticeships can be completed as full-time, part-time or school-based.

Apprentices and trainees are paid under the relevant modern award or agreement.  An apprentice usually receives a percentage of the qualified tradesperson’s rate.  This percentage increases as the apprentice progresses through their apprenticeship.

Trainee wages and conditions are generally derived from the National Training Wage Schedule and the modern award.

For more information about apprentice and trainee wages, please see the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

You sure can!  These types of arrangements are called school-based apprenticeships or traineeships.  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.  You can do a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship and still study towards an ATAR.

As a Golden West apprentice or trainee you are legally employed by us.  It’s important to Golden West that you are matched with a suitable host employer to ensure you gain the right skills and industry experience you need for your apprenticeship or traineeship.

Golden West will also make sure you get paid on time and with correct entitlements including superannuation, holidays and sick leave.  We also organise and keep track of all of your paperwork, so you can focus on your work and training.

What you can expect by being an apprentice or trainee with Golden West Apprenticeships?

• A formal training and employment contract with Golden West Apprenticeships that outlines everything you can expect from us and your responsibilities.
• Your wages and allowances are paid by Golden West Apprenticeships.
• You are assigned a dedicated Training and Employment Coordinator who will visit you regularly.
• You will receive mentoring and pastoral care support from Golden West Apprenticeships throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship.
• If your host employer runs out of work for any reason, Golden West Apprenticeships will work hard to find you another host employer to complete your apprenticeship or traineeship.
• In some cases, you may be able to move between host employers to establish the industry skills you require long term.

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

Golden West Apprenticeships uses a contemporary rolling recruitment framework. What this means, is that applications are assessed as they are received, and often this is prior to the closing date of the job advert. As an applicant, you may be contacted prior to the closing date to undertake further assessments and an interview, therefore, please ensure that you are contactable from the date you apply for the position.

This process does not mean that applications are given priority on a first come, first serve basis. All applications received prior to the advert closing date are considered based on their merits.

The rolling recruitment framework is beneficial to applicants, as your application moves through the process quicker, and the outcome of your application is communicated to you on a quicker timeframe than traditional recruitment methods. Furthermore, if you are successful as an apprentice or trainee, it allows you to commence much sooner than traditional recruitment methods.

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

There are no direct costs involved with becoming an apprentice or trainee with Golden West Apprenticeships.  At times, student fees associated with completing the “off-the-job” training required as part of the traineeship or apprenticeship may apply.  You will be advised if any of these costs apply to you, as well as whether you are eligible to seek a reimbursement upon successful completion of this training