Compare different types of apprenticeships and traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine work with structured training. They can be full-time, part-time, or school-based but they can't be done if you work casual or irregular hours.

The comparisons below show the key differences between them.

Comparison of skills

  Skill setExamplesOutcome
Traineeship vocational business administration
information technology
tourism
skilled in a vocation
Apprenticeship trades electrical
plumbing
cabinet making
automotive
qualified tradesperson

Comparison of working hours

Full-timePart-timeCasualSchool-based
38+ hours/week
(incl. work and training)
15+ hours/week
(incl. work and training)
Not allowed 7.5+ hours/week
(work only)

Read more about working hours.

Comparison of length ('nominal term')

 Full-timePart-timeSchool-based
Traineeship 1–2 years 2–4 years 2 years
Apprenticeship 3–4 years 8 years 2 years at school
plus 2–3 years full-time after school

Comparison of eligibility criteria*

Full-timePart-timeSchool-based
13 years or older 13 years or older 1. 15 years or older (Year 10–12)
2. school approval
3. impact on school timetable

*This table doesn't show all the criteria, only the key differences. Learn more about eligibility criteria.