Trainee jobs in Australia are a great way to get the appropriate training for a particular job while getting paid and undertaking further training
. Many careers start off with a traineeship or apprenticeship, especially the trades. For instance there are electrical apprenticeships for those interested in becoming electricians, while finding a job as an apprentice plumber will eventually give you the skills to work as a fully qualified plumber.
While many trades start off with an apprenticeship, there are also traineeships in other career opportunities such as a business administration traineeship. When you take up an apprenticeship you are almost guaranteed a job at least until the end of the training period. A training contract has to be signed by both employer and employee and registered with the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET).
The apprentice is paid an award wage for that industry and the employer must provide him or her with opportunities in the workplace necessary to become experienced in all facets of the trade. The apprentice must be allowed time off work to attend the necessary training at TAFE or wherever is appropriate, while still being paid. And the employer must provide a working environment that is safe and free of harassment.
Some training can now take place on two or three days of the week while the person is still attending school. This ensures that when they get into the workforce they already know the basics and can undertake certain aspects of the work involved more adequately. This is more cost effective for the employer as he is not paying wages for no return while the trainee learns the ropes. For instance, a person who intends to become an apprentice electrician will attend TAFE while in years eleven and twelve at school then take up his apprenticeship after year 12.
Cadetships are similar to traineeships but are found in other careers such as the defense forces, engineering, business, accounting and various other careers.