Skills and Jobs Centres
Based in TAFEs across Victoria, Skills and Jobs Centres (SJCs) help people with career advice, job searching and choosing courses – this includes apprenticeships and traineeships. You don’t have to be a student to visit an SJC – anyone can go along to get free help and advice. Head here to find out more about SJCs and find your local centre.
Schools, TAFEs and universities
If you’re already enrolled in learning, your careers counsellor should be able to point you towards relevant opportunities. If you’re in high school, you could look at a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT). This combines regular school attendance with at least one day a week on the job or in training.
Commercial job sites
Apprenticeships and traineeships are often advertised through online job sites and social media platforms. Set up a search for the kind of opportunities you’re interested in (“apprentice hairdresser” or “trainee healthcare worker”, for example) to see what’s available. Then apply for the role just like you would for a regular job.
Apprenticeship Network Provider
Your Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP) provides free support services to apprentices and trainees all the way through your training, and even before you begin. This can include job-matching, as well as other support in getting started. Have a look here to find your closest ANP.
Group Training Organisations
Sometimes apprentices and trainees are employed by a Group Training Organisation (GTO), which then places them with host employers. The GTO organises the training contract and arranges the training you need for your apprenticeship or traineeship. Going through a GTO also means you may get to experience different work environments during your training. You can find a list of GTOs here.
Apprenticeship Employment Network
Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN) represents not-for-profit GTOs across Victoria. Through its members, AEN employs more than 6000 apprentices and trainees across a lot of different industry sectors. Head here to check out their current apprentice vacancies.
Victorian Skills Gateway
You can use the Victorian Skills Gateway course search function to find the right course for your apprenticeship. Or just to have a look at what’s out there and be inspired about what your future career could look like.
Your current employer
If you’re in a job right now, your current employer may be willing to train you as an apprentice or trainee. This would help you gain new skills to take on new responsibilities. You and your employer will need to choose a training provider and agree on a training plan. To find out more of what’s involved, contact an Apprenticeship Network Provider.
Victorian Government
The Victorian Government has lots of opportunities to get involved as an apprentice or trainee. You could find work at wide range of places, from hospitals, to the Country Fire Authority (CFA), to government departments and agencies. To find out more about what’s on offer, see Careers Vic and Victorian Government Jobs and Careers.
Disability Employment Services
Do you have a permanent disability, illness or injury? You may be able to get help finding an apprenticeship or traineeship via Disability Employment Services (DES). You and your employer could also be eligible for additional support. See Support for Australian Apprentices with a disability for more info.
Australian Defence Force
You can do an apprenticeship through the Australian Navy, Army or Air Force. Before signing up, make sure you get all the facts on what you’re committing to, including the time, obligations and responsibilities of joining the armed forces. See Defence Jobs for details.
