The average apprenticeship is four years. Some trades, such as bricklaying, are a three year apprenticeship.

In Victoria you need to be 15 years old to start an apprenticeship.

It is not compulsory to have completed VCE.

No, it is not a pre-requisite but a lot of employers do prefer it as it shows you have some existing skills in place. It will also take some time off the amount of schooling you do in your apprenticeship if you have completed a pre-apprenticeship.

You do not need a driver’s license to be taken on as an apprentice. However with locations of jobs constantly changing over the duration of an apprenticeship it makes things much easier for everyone if you do have your license. Many employers will prefer you to have your license and access to a vehicle.

Yes – this is usually done at a TAFE/training provider and is often called ‘trade school’. The average schooling is 24 weeks over the time of your apprenticeship. This will be less if you have completed a pre-apprenticeship.

It’s often harder to find an employer as they are required to pay you more as an adult apprentice. Reaching out to existing contacts and contacting medium/large builders is a good start.

As an apprentice you will have access to the Trade Support Loans up to the value of $21, 779 over the time of your apprenticeship.

You can visit FairWork’s Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) to find out what you should be paid as an apprentice. Go to https://calculate.fairwork.gov.au/FindYourAward.
Wages increase as you progress through your apprenticeship. The also vary depending on the trade, whether you have completed year 12 or not and whether you are classified as a mature aged apprentice.

A daily travel allowance is payable to apprentices unless they are picked up and dropped off from their home or are provided with a fully-maintained vehicle for work and personal use.

As an apprentice registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), you can apply for a discount on your vehicle registration. For more information on eligibility and how to apply go to https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/registration-fees/concessions-and-discounts/trade-apprentice-registration-discount