Apprenticeships and Traineeships: 6 Major Myths Debunked

There’s a lot of information out there about apprenticeships and traineeships, and a lot of that information is outdated or untrue.

There’s also a lot of misinformation out there, and sometimes it’s hard to know what to believe. You may think that apprenticeships are only for school-leavers or for people interested in working outside, but there’s a lot more to traineeships than that. So, get ready to debunk six common myths about apprenticeships and traineeships that simply aren’t true.

This simply isn’t the case. While both are extremely valuable, there are a number of industries where completing an apprenticeship or traineeship will make you more employable than a university degree. 

On-the-job training can be the most important element of learning, especially for hands-on, practical industries. Many manual industries would rather employees have an apprenticeship because it means they have actual work experience in the industry.

If you are interested in completing a degree, doing an apprenticeship can act as an entry to fast track you into said degree. But that doesn’t mean that an advanced apprenticeship or traineeship can’t stand alone. Completing a  “degree apprenticeship” is also a viable option, which allows you to work a full-time job in the relevant field while studying part-time. 

Apprenticeships and traineeships can be an alternate route to university, but they can also lead independently to a successful career. An electrical apprenticeship, plumbing apprenticeship or childcare traineeship are all examples of high-quality training that may be more beneficial than a university degree.

The notion that apprenticeships are only for young people is one of the biggest traineeship myths out there. There are plenty of mature age apprentices out there, with 31.4% of apprentices and trainees aged 25 and over. A mature age apprenticeship is a great option to re-skill or retrain, and can be a fantastic step for your new career path.

Regardless of how old you are or your level of previous training, skilled employment is always valued, so undertaking a traineeship or apprenticeship can be beneficial for you.

Apprentices and trainees need to be paid for their time spent working, just like any other entry-level job. Every Australian apprentice or trainee is entitled to receive the national minimum wage and employment standards, or a wage under the correct award rate for the industry, no matter the type of apprenticeship.

There are also additional financial support options available to apprentices living away from home or doing their apprenticeship as part of their degree. Trade Support Loans (TSLs) and the Centrelink Youth Allowance are just two of the numerous financial support services available to trainees.

When people think of an apprentice, a tradesperson such as a carpenter or electrician often first comes to mind. However, apprenticeships and traineeships aren’t solely limited to trades. There’s a wide variety of apprenticeships available in an array of industries, including hairdressing, hospitality and retail.

The idea that apprenticeships are only for non-academics is simply not the case. While some people who didn’t perform well in school opt for a traineeship because they prefer a hands-on approach to learning, that does not mean people who are more academic cannot do a traineeship, too. 

Apprenticeships and traineeships are for anyone who is interested in a practical approach to learning. It is a great way to enter the workforce and earn a certification or degree in the process!

While a permanent full-time position cannot be guaranteed after you have completed your apprenticeship, it is a myth that traineeships don’t lead to full-time work. Employers desire employees with past work experience, so, if anything, completing an apprenticeship will increase your job prospects.

Many workplaces keep their apprentices on after they have completed their training. So if you show your boss how keen you are to stay on the job, chances are they’ll employ you full-time.

Traineeships and apprenticeships can be the best way for you to get on-the-job experience that can also result in a formal qualification. They’re nothing to be scared of, and can be a truly rewarding experience.

Keen to learn more? Read on to find out if a mature age apprenticeship is worth doing.