Apprenticeships and traineeships

Gain a trade or certificate while you work

Apprenticeships and traineeships are the classic ways to gain nationally recognised qualifications while on the job. More than 100 trades and occupations can be learned this way – there really is something for everyone.

Whether you’re a school leaver, a student, or changing careers later in life, you can pick up valuable skills and get your foot in the door for a fulfilling career with council – all while being paid.

Councils like to retain their trainees and apprentices once they’re fully qualified, so you can often land a job straight out of your course.

On this page:

• High-demand roles
• What are apprenticeships and traineeships?
• What you can learn
• School-based training
• Find an apprenticeship or traineeship
• Fees and support

High-demand roles

Councils need workers for these roles that you can learn on the job:

What are apprenticeships and traineeships?

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is the traditional pathway to gaining a trade. You work on the job with a qualified person who shows you the ropes and makes sure the skills are sticking.

You’ll usually be an apprentice for 3 to 4 years, but you’ll be paid for your time and gain practical and technical skills along the way.

Traineeships

A traineeship usually takes 1 to 2 years to complete – longer if you go for a higher certificate or diploma. Traineeships are generally in clerical and operational services instead of trades.

You’ll earn as you learn and finish up with a Certificate II or higher, plus valuable work experience.

Tickets and certifications

Some construction and maintenance roles need other accreditations and licences, such as:

• tickets in civil plant operation (backhoe, grader, excavator and so on)
• driver’s licences (HR truck licence, C Class)
• White Card
• workzone traffic management (WZTM) card.

You might be able to earn some of these on the job with council, but you'll need others before you start work.

What you can learn

You can undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship in just about every area of council work.

School-based training

If you’re in Year 10 or higher, you can get started on a traineeship or apprenticeship while you’re still at school.

You’ll generally do 1 or 2 days per week on the job. You’ll get paid, and the course you choose can count towards your South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Next steps:

• Talk to the VET Coordinator at your school.
• Read more about school-based apprenticeships.
• Check out Student Pathways for more information.

Work experience

Councils welcome high school students interested in trying out occupations through work experience programs and short-term industry placements.

Talk to your school’s Careers Counsellor or contact your local council to find out what types of work experience programs they offer.

Find an apprenticeship or traineeship

Choose your qualification, then find an employer.

You can start directly with a council – use our job search to see what is available – or through a group training organisation.

Make sure the organisation offering the training is listed on the register of approved employers.

If you’re not sure which qualification you need for the job you want, explore the:

• career information on the My Training (Skills SA) website
• apprenticeships advice on the Australian Apprenticeships website.

For more help, check out My Training’s step-by-step guide or explore the TAFE SA website.

Fees and support

Starting out or changing careers can be tough. Maybe you haven’t done formal education for a while, or you’re not sure if you can afford it. It’s OK – there’s lots of support available.

If you have questions about how to access support, the best place to start is with your training provider – so, the council you’re working for, the group training organisation you’re signed up with, or the institution you’re studying through, such as TAFE SA.

Low-cost courses

Many TAFE SA courses now have fee-free places.

To be eligible, you need to:

• be aged 16 years or older
• not be enrolled at any school
• live or work in SA
• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident, or have an appropriate visa.

Aside from fee-free courses, there is a great range of subsidised training available. Find out if your chosen course or qualification is covered by searching TAFE SA or My Training (Skill SA).

Financial support

People come to apprenticeships and traineeships from all walks of life and at all stages of life. Don’t let cost get in the way of your qualification.

There's a wide range of financial support available, including:

• fee concessions
• travel and accommodation allowances
• scholarships and grants
• Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY and Rent Assistance.

Check out My Training (Skills SA) financial assistance for information about the types of support available.

Learning support

Anyone enrolled with a training provider is eligible for free and confidential learner support services.

Life comes at us fast sometimes! All sorts of challenges can disrupt your training, but there are ways for your provider to help you make it through.

Talk to them about accessing support for:

• reading, writing and organisation
• family and domestic violence
• health issues, including mental health
• disability and access needs
• transport and accommodation.