Are you concerned about the future career plans for your child? As a parent, you are the most influential person when your child is considering career pathways. Therefore, it is important for you as a parent to understand the complexity and competitiveness of today’s labour market and help your child build core skills for long term career success.
Your child can take on an apprenticeships program to further their career in occupations in a range of industries. Various trades such as engineering and metal fabrication, automotive and mechanical, construction and building and electrical specialisations are available to choose from depending on your child’s skills, knowledge, and interests. An apprenticeship allows your child to have a job and get training while working. An apprenticeship can be full-time, part-time, or school-based.
School-based Apprenticeship
Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASbAs) is an option if your child is looking at going straight to work after completing high school. It allows students to start the training whilst still finishing school and obtaining a WACE. ASbAs starts part-time as a part of secondary schooling. Through ASbAs students can work with an employer, train towards an accredited qualification, earn a wage while undertaking their high school certificate and it also contributes credits to Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
Eligibility Requirements
- Be old enough to work legally in the state or territory
- Undertaking secondary schooling and must have the approval of the school
- If 18 years or below, parent or caregiver approval is required.
Pre-apprenticeship
A pre-apprenticeship is entry-level training in the traditional trades industry such as electrical, plumbing, and automotive, which can provide a pathway to an apprenticeship. It is a formal qualification (Certificate II level) that covers the necessary material to introduce a student to a specific role. It offers excellent exposure and experience and can assist in improving literacy and numeracy skills while focusing on developing essential work-related skills.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is a structured training arrangement of usually 3.5 years to 4 years duration. It is a combination of paid on the job training and formal study with the Registered Training Organization. The qualifications are paid for by the employer and apprentices are not required to pay anything towards their qualification. Apprentices get training that focuses on real skills which can be provided both on and off the job. Upon successful completion of the training, the apprentice is issued with a nationally recognised qualification and gain job experience.
Pay and other financial support
Australian apprentices are entitled to receive wages and are also eligible for government incentives. Once commencing work, the apprentice will receive a pay slip that includes details about their period of employment, hours worked (including overtime), gross pay, tax payment and other deductions. They are also entitled to leave, superannuation, allowances, overtime, and penalty rates.
Trade Support Loans of up to $21,542 (from 1 July 2020) is available to the apprentices which helps them cover living expenses and buy work equipment like tools or boots while undertaking an Australian apprenticeship. Apprentices are required to repay the loans through the tax system once they start earning an annual income over $46,620 (for 2020-21).
How to sign up your child for apprenticeship?
Skill Hire will provide ongoing support, mentoring and assistance to your child during their apprenticeship in several ways to ensure that they are progressing through their program successfully. We can assist you to apply for the apprenticeship program that is fit for your child. Get started now!
