Pre-apprenticeships

Pre-apprenticeships let you experience what it’s like to work in an industry before making the commitment to become an apprentice. Think of them as entry-level training; a great way to figure out what’s right for you, and get started in your career of choice. 

Doing a pre-apprenticeship can help improve your literacy and numeracy skills if needed. It can also set you up with basic on-the-job skills and essential learning related to your industry, which can make you a great candidate for apprenticeship roles in the future. 

Generally, pre-apprenticeship courses are offered either by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) such as TAFE, or Group Training Organisations (GTOs). If you decide to continue your training after a pre-apprenticeship, your RTO or GTO may even be able to help you find an employer to take you on as an apprentice, and build your career from there. 

The Victorian Government’s Free TAFE Initiative means tuition fees will be covered for eligible students in some priority pre-apprenticeship courses, such as building and construction, baking and plumbing. Check here to see if this applies to you.

Some pre-apprenticeships include work experience, so they look great on your CV. You may also receive credit for the study you complete, which can shorten the time you spend as an apprentice. 

You don’t have to complete a pre-apprenticeship before starting an apprenticeship or traineeship. But in some industries, employers may favour people who have gone through and completed pre-apprenticeship training.