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 set | Examples | Outcome | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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-time | Part-time | Casual | School-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-time | Part-time | School-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-time | Part-time | School-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.