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Why choose an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships offer a supportive way to start your trades career through hands-on learning and on-site work. Whether you’re exploring clean energy trades or traditional industries, such as electrical, you will gain real-world skills, national qualifications, and job-ready experience.

What is a clean energy apprenticeship?

A clean energy apprenticeship, also known as a New Energy Apprenticeship, is a hands-on pathway into the future of Australia’s energy workforce. It combines paid employment with nationally recognised training in trades that directly support renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable technologies, and adopting sustainable practices in traditional industries.

During your apprenticeship, you will:

  • Work with qualified tradespeople on real projects
  • Complete formal training through TAFE or another registered training organisation (RTO)
  • Become skilled in areas that are critical to Australia’s clean energy transition — from solar and wind to energy-efficient plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning, automobile, and more.

What’s the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?

Apprenticeships
  • Usually in licensed or skilled trades (e.g., electrical, plumbing, mechanical apprenticeship)
  • Longer in duration (3–4 years)
  • Lead to a Certificate III or higher qualification
  • Strong career pathway into industries like construction, electrical, engineering, or clean energy.
Traineeships
  • Cover a wide range of industries, including business, retail, community services, and some technical areas
  • Usually shorter (12–24 months)
  • Provide practical skills for entry-level or mid-level roles

Both apprenticeships and traineeships let you earn while you learn, but apprenticeships generally involve more technical skills and longer-term career prospects.

What is a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT)?

A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) allows high school students (usually Year 10–12) to:

  • Start an apprenticeship or traineeship while still completing school
  • Combine school studies, paid part-time work, and formal training
  • Get a career headstart, with the option to continue full-time once school is finished.

It’s the best of both worlds — students finish school with a nationally recognised qualification already underway.

Apprenticeship
  • Skilled trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
  • Duration: 3–4 years
  • Certificate III or higher
  • Strong career pathways
  • Focus: technical/clean energy trades
Traineeship
  • Wide range of industries (business, retail, care)
  • Duration: 12–24 months
  • Certificate II–IV
  • Entry to mid-level roles
  • Focus: practical workplace skills
SBAT (School Based)
  • Start apprenticeship/traineeship at school
  • Years 10–12
  • Combine school, paid work & training
  • Finish school with qualification underway
  • Pathway to full-time apprenticeship

What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?

  • Earn while you learn – Get paid while gaining practical skills
  • Nationally recognised qualification – Your certificate is valued across Australia
  • Real job experience – Work alongside experienced tradespeople
  • Strong career pathways – Apprenticeships lead to secure, in-demand jobs
  • Extra support available – Access to mentoring, financial incentives, and programs designed to help you succeed
  • Be part of the future – Clean energy apprenticeships put you at the centre of Australia’s renewable energy transition