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What is a trade traineeship?

A traineeship is a type of Australian Apprenticeship that is typically shorter in length than an apprenticeship, and often focused on a range of vocational outcomes such as business, IT, or sales.

However, there are many trades-related traineeships available in sectors such as mining and natural resources, manufacturing, and construction. These include:

  • Gas Plant Operations Traineeship
  • Water Treatment Operations Traineeship
  • Civil Construction Traineeship
  • Environmental Field Technician Traineeship
  • Wellsite Operations Traineeship
  • Warehousing and Logistics Traineeship

Traineeships vs Apprenticeships

Whether an Australian Apprenticeship is designated a traineeship or an apprenticeship is based on the qualification you will undertake, as determined by the Government training authority. 

There are many similarities between apprenticeships and traineeships, such as:

  • You will get paid while working and studying
  • You will undertake hands-on learning and skill development in a real work environment
  • You will complete a nationally accredited qualification as part of your training 

Learn more about the difference between apprenticeships and traineeships.

How Long is a Traineeship?

The length of a traineeship differs depending on the specific role, but is usually 1-2 years for areas such as business and administration, and 2-3 years for trades-related traineeships.

By comparison, a trade apprenticeship is typically 4 years.

Like apprenticeships, completion of a traineeship is based on all relevant competencies being obtained and technical skills developed. This is called competency-based completion.

When applying for a traineeship, a nominal duration is included as a guide.

To find the ideal traineeship or apprenticeship, check out our Jobs Board.

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MIGAS Water Treatment Operations Trainee Tania

MIGAS Water Treatment Operations Trainee, Tania, undertaking her on-the-job training in the resources sector.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.