TRADE CAREERS: WHERE TO BEGIN

In fact, these days trades can be lucrative, long term, challenging and independent careers, but many young people with an interest in trades don't know where to begin.

The first stop should be your careers adviser at school.  They should be able to help you to get information on further study, whether at TAFE, university, on-the-job in an Australian Apprenticeship or at the school itself.

Over 95 per cent of Australia’s secondary schools offering senior secondary programs now offer vocational and technical education (VTE) to their senior students. This means students can gain practical work skills and nationally-recognised VTE qualifications as part of their school education. As at December 2005, there were 15,200 Australian School-based Apprenticeships commencements across Australia. That is a 30% increase since 2004, and a remarkable 362% increase since 2000.

Secondly, you might want to talk to local businesses.  You can approach businesses in your local area (ask if they have a human resources manager or personnel manager) and find out whether they have apprenticeships or traineeships or a training programme.  Ask if they take on Australian School-based Apprentices.

Thirdly, you can talk to Group Training Companies.  Group Training Companies take on Australian Apprentices and place them with host employers for a period of their Australian Apprenticeship.  With group training, Australian Apprentices can work in a variety of businesses and gain diverse experience while completing their training.

Questions and Answers

How do I get an Australian Apprenticeship?

First, look in the newspaper.  At the moment, there are more jobs for Australian Apprentices in traditional trades than there are applicants. 

If you are interested in group training, contact your local group training company.  More information on group training can be found at www.grouptraining.com.au.

Talk to an employer you are interested in working for, and ask if they have a training programme or if they want to take on an Australian Apprentice.  If they want more information, they can find it at their local Australian Apprenticeships Centre (there are over 500 so there is one nearby) or they can look at www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au or call 1800 639 629.

For more information on steps to take towards gaining a trade qualification, have a look at http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/.

I don’t want to abandon my studies, is it possible for me to start an apprenticeship while still attending school? 

Absolutely, Australian Technical Colleges offer Certificate III level Australian School-based Apprenticeships in metal and engineering, building and construction, automotive, electrotechnology and commercial cookery as well as academic studies towards a Year 12 certificate.  To find out if there is an Australian Technical College in your region go to www.australiantechnicalcolleges.gov.au or call 1800 363 079.

I'm not sure what sort of Australian Apprenticeship I'm interested in?

There are over 500 Australian Apprentice occupations available.  Here is a list of training qualifications available in these occupations.  To find out what qualifications are available you need to contact your State Training Authority.

If you need help working out which trade might be right for you, why don't you have a look at www.myfuture.edu.au which can guide you through a range of information about diverse careers.

How much will I get paid?

Australian Apprentices are paid a training wage during their apprenticeship.  They are usually employed under a Federal or State award or agreement.  The employer and Australian Apprentice are also signatories to a training agreement which specifies the qualification to be obtained and includes the training plan to achieve that outcome.  All States and Territories require that there be a genuine employer/employee relationship underpinning an Australian Apprenticeship.

When you complete your Australian Apprenticeship you should be able to compete successfully for jobs that are paid at the full wage rate or above. 

If you want to get an idea about the wages paid in each industry, check out www.jobsearch.gov.au/joboutlook.

How long will it take me to complete a Australian Apprenticeship?

An Australian Apprenticeship can take from 1-4 years to complete depending on the type of Australian Apprenticeship you are doing.  Here is a list of training qualifications available.

What happens when I finish my Australian Apprenticeship?

At the end of your Australian Apprenticeship you will have a trade or another related nationally recognised qualification and the experience to assist you in getting the job you want. 

Today, Australia's skills are respected world wide.  Our chefs are able to travel widely, both in Australia and overseas.  Our apprentices are considered among the best in the world.

The WorldSkills competition is held every two years at the regional, national, and international level. Melbourne hosted the 2006 Worldskills Australia competition which saw up to 400 participants compete in seven skills profiles, including building and construction, electrotechnology, automotive and vehicle, manufacturing and engineering, and client services.
The national team is selected from these winners to compete against more than 700 competitors from 45 countries, over four days of competition, in up to 40 skills categories. In November 2007, the 39th WorldSkills International Competition will be held in Shizouka Japan. Team Australia is hoping to retain their 9th placing among the 43 member countries, which they have retained for the past two competitions.
 

For more information on Worldskills, see http://www.worldskills.org.au or Worldskills International www.worldskills.com

I'd like to own my own business one day, is this a possibility with a trade qualification?

Absolutely.  Doing an Australian Apprenticeship will help you get the skills to join the 50,000 young Australians aged 15 to 24 in business for themselves. 

Take a look at www.business.gov.au for some helpful information.

Attracting people to Science and Technology Careers

Science careers embrace a wide range of environments ranging from careers in pure and applied research through to mining, manufacturing, plastics, chemicals and medical environments.  This new project will aim to attract young people into science and technology careers and will highlight the diversity of science careers. More information at this site shortly.