Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine paid employment with structured training, and result in a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships and traineeships are available to anyone of working age, including school students, school-leavers, those re-entering the workforce, or those simply wanting a career change.

Offered in a range of industry areas, participants can complete their qualification by learning skills both at work and under the guidance of a training provider. NR TAFE works with you and your employer to develop a training plan, deliver training, provide support, assess your achievement of skills and issue you with a qualification upon successful completion.

An apprentice or traineeship arrangement includes:

• A training plan, negotiated between the student, their employer and NR TAFE structured on-the-job training
• Paid employment under an appropriate industrial arrangement
• Full-time, part-time or school based options
• The option of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as part of the assessment for completion

Apprentices are trained in a skilled trade

Once successfully completed, apprentices become qualified tradespeople in professions such as a mechanic, electrician, builder, hairdresser or chef. Apprenticeships generally take three – four years to complete, depending on the qualification.

Trainees are trained in vocational areas

Once successfully completed, trainees receive a qualification in their chosen area such as business administration, agriculture or childcare. Traineeships generally take between nine months – two years depending on the qualification.

How can I become an apprentice or trainee?

Finding an employer to hire you as an apprentice or trainee can be challenging. To give you the best opportunity, NR TAFE recommends the following:

• Research the industry you are interested in
• Participate in a ‘Try a Trade’ program where available
• Volunteer with a business to get work experience
• Speak with NRT about preparing your resume
• Introduce yourself to businesses you would like to work for and circulate your resume
• Contact a Jobs and Skills Centre or outreach service located at NR TAFE's campuses

Employment Based Training Support

NR TAFE has a dedicated team of support staff who can assist you and your employer throughout the traineeship and apprenticeship process. Once you have officially signed up as a trainee or apprentice, our team can provide assistance in contract management, liaising with lecturing staff and organising travel and accommodation.

• Contact: Apprenticeships@nrtafe.wa.edu.au

For a list of other support available to you, please click here.

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) contacts

Apprenticeship Support Australia CCI

• Phone: 1300 363 831
• Kimberley contact: 0429 106 785
• Karratha contact: 0488 919 159
• Port Hedland contact: 0438 716 583
• Newman contact: 0417 925 554
• Email: info@apprenticeshipsupport.com.au
• Website: www.apprenticeshipsupport.com.au(opens in a new tab)

The Apprenticeship Community

• Phone: (08) 6165 3362
• Email: info@apprenticeshipcommunity.com.au
• Website: www.apprenticeshipcommunity.com.au(opens in a new tab)

Standard dress requirements for apprentices attending training at North Regional TAFE are:

• High visibility, long sleeve, collared shirt and long trousers, or overalls. Shirts must be tucked into trousers at all times and sleeves must be rolled down and buttoned.
• Steel capped safety boots must be worn at all times, both in the classroom and in the workshop.
• Clear safety glasses must be worn at all times in the workshop.
• Hair must be tied back or in a hairnet if you have long hair.

Any student not adhering to the dress requirements will be unable to attend training and will be returned to the workplace.

Please see below for study area specific dress requirements.

If your study area is not listed below, please follow the standard dress requirements outlined above.

Hairdressing

All apprentices are expected to dress to a professional Salon standard at all times:

• North Regional TAFE salon uniform top:
  • Broome students – purchase at Totally Work Wear for $55.00 (including logo)
  • Karratha students – to be advised at your first block, please wear a black top until your salon uniform top has been purchased  
• Black pants or skirt (below the knee)
• Closed toe shoes

Commercial Cookery at Broome Campus

The following items must be worn to class:

As per the Complete Uniform Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) KIT already provided to you:

• White Chef Jacket, double breasted, (long sleeves) with white stud buttons (Recommend minimum of 2 per BLOCK)
• Chef Check Trousers (small Pattern) (Recommend x2)
• White Aprons (3/4 length) (Recommend x3)
• White Neckerchief (Recommend x3)
• White Fez style – skull hat
• Hairnet / beard net - Hair must be tied back or in a hairnet if you have long hair
• Pair black boots or slip resistant clogs, please note, all forms of sneakers and jogging shoes are not acceptable
• CLEAN and COMPLETE standard uniforms are required to gain entry to all practical classes

Commercial Cookery at Pundulmurra Campus

The following items must be worn to class:

• White or Blue Chef Jacket, double breasted, (long sleeves) with stud buttons (Recommend minimum of 2 -3  per BLOCK)
• Chef Black or Black and White Check Trousers (Recommend 2 - 3 pairs)
• Black Bib Aprons (3/4 length) (Recommend x3)
• White or black chef scull cap
• Hairnet / beard net - Hair must be tied back or in a hairnet if you have long hair, no hair to be exposed whilst in the Training kitchen
• Steel capped slip resistant covered in shoes
• Cut gloves
• Safety glasses
• CLEAN ironed and COMPLETE standard uniforms are required to gain entry to all practical classes