You apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship in the same way that you apply for a job. But first you need to find that job.

Here are some ways to find an apprentice or trainee employer.

Australian Apprenticeships Centres

A good place to start is your local Australian Apprenticeships Centre. 

You could also visit an Australian Apprenticeships Centre in person. There are over 300 locations across Australia. You can find your nearest Apprenticeship Support Network Provider by filtering the list of providers on the Australian Apprenticeships website.

Group Training Organisations

A Group Training Organisation (GTO) is an organisation that employs apprentices and trainees and places them with host employers. A GTO takes responsibility for the training and the wellbeing of its apprentices and trainees. If you register with a GTO, they'll work to find an apprentice or trainee placement for you.

Some GTOs specialise in a particular industry, while others work with a range of industries in their area. When you sign up, you're officially employed by them, so they do all the paperwork relating to things like your wages and superannuation. 

To find a Group Training Organisation near you, go to the Apprenticeship Support Training Australia website.   

Advertised job vacancies

Searching online, registering with a job website and browsing newspaper classifieds is a well-worn way to look for work, but it works. Our how to find a job page has more on how to track down job vacancies. The principles are pretty much the same when looking for an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Use your own networks

Let people such as your family, friends and co-workers know that you're looking for an apprenticeship or traineeship. Someone might know someone who can help.

Once you have some names and contact details, you can find out if those employers are taking on apprentices or trainees. Even if they aren't, they might know someone who is.

Here are some tips for ways to chase down employers:

  • When you hear of a potential lead, get the name and contact details.
  • Go ahead and give them a call.
  • Consider offering to do some work experience first.
  • Make sure you get paid for any trial work.  

See our how to network page for more about tapping into your existing contacts. For tips on calling someone to ask about apprenticeships or traineeships, see our guide to cold calling page.

Apprenticeships and traineeships for people with a disability 

If you are a person with a disability, you may be eligible for additional support in finding an apprenticeship. The Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAWWS) program provides additional financial support to employers who take on an apprentice who has a disability. Further support with off-the-job training, like mentors, tutorials and interpreter services, are also available to apprentices and trainees with a disability.

Disability Employment Services (DES) can help you to find an apprenticeship in your area. To find your nearest DES provider, you can use the directory on the Disability Employment Australia website.

To find out more about DAWWS and support for apprentices/trainees with a disability, visit the Australian Apprenticeships support for Australian Apprentices page.

The Youth Employment Scheme

The Victorian Government offers a range of apprenticeships and traineeships to young Victorians aged between 15 and 24. To find out more about how you can get involved, and to check out the stories of young people who've gone through the program, see our Victorian Government traineeships page. 

Careers advisers

If you’re at school, TAFE, uni or doing another kind of training, you may have access to a careers adviser or career counselling. Careers advisers and counsellors can give you information and resources about a particular industry and related work experience. They might even know some employers who could take you on as an apprentice or trainee. 

For some more information about how to find a careers adviser, see our career counselling page.

Australian Defence Force

If you join the Australian Navy, Army or Air Force, they'll organise an apprenticeship for you. The qualification you'll receive is nationally recognised - not just in the military, but everywhere else in Australia.

Before signing up for this type of apprenticeship, you should get all the facts on what you're committing to, like the required time commitment and all the possible obligations and responsibilities that come from serving in the armed forces.

Visit the ADF Careers website for more information about the range of opportunities and how to apply.

AusAppPathways 
Explore careers that can begin through an apprenticeship or traineeship. Search for jobs and training and get advice on apprentice and trainee rights.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships
The Victorian Government has a range of guides and resources about apprenticeships and traineeships in Victoria.

Australian Apprenticeships
The Federal Government's apprenticeships and traineeships program.

Apprenticeship Support Australia - group training organisations
Find a group training organisation in your area and speak to them about finding you an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Disability Employment Services - directory
Find your nearest provider of Disability Employment Services, including apprenticeship and traineeship support.

ADF Careers 
Check out job opportunities and study options in trades within the Navy, Army and Air Force.