RTO 41462 · Nationally recognised training
Earn while you learn
Paid work, structured training, and a nationally recognised qualification at the end of it. Available in Queensland and New South Wales.
Nationally recognised · RTO 41462
A traineeship is a great way to start or advance your career while gaining a nationally recognised qualification. It combines paid employment with structured training, so you can earn while you learn.
Trainees are employed under a formal training contract and follow a training plan that sets out the qualification, the units and the timeframes. Everything you learn on the job is supported by professional training from a Registered Training Organisation, giving you both practical experience and formal skills.
Traineeships usually run for one to two years, depending on the industry, the qualification level and your own progress. Many people complete their training faster if they already have experience or transferable skills, and Recognition of Prior Learning and credit transfer can shorten the journey further.
Five steps from finding an employer to finishing qualified. The order matters — you cannot start a traineeship without a job first.
A traineeship starts with a job. You need an employer willing to take you on as a trainee — a training facility, kennel, shelter, veterinary practice or dog day care.
You, your employer and an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network sign a formal training contract, registered with your state training authority.
The plan sets out the qualification, the units you will complete, and the timeframes for getting there.
You are paid for your work while completing your training, with support from both your employer and our teaching team.
You complete your units, are assessed as competent, and receive the same nationally recognised qualification as any other student.
Both lead to the same nationally recognised qualification. The difference is how you get there, and whether you have an employer.
| Traineeship | Enrol directly | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Government subsidised, employer supported | You pay the course fee, or use a payment plan |
| Are you working? | Yes — paid employment is part of it | Optional — study around whatever you do |
| Who signs up | You, your employer and the support network | Just you |
| How long | Set by the training contract | Up to 24 months, at your own pace |
| Qualification | Identical — the same nationally recognised credential | |
Traineeship funding differs between Queensland and New South Wales.
In Queensland, traineeships are supported under the Queensland Government’s Career Start Program, delivered through approved Skills Assure Suppliers like NSTI.
Students can access a maximum of two subsidised training places through Career Start. You may complete one general Certificate III qualification and one apprenticeship or traineeship, or two apprenticeships or traineeships, including school-based options.
In New South Wales, traineeships are funded under the Smart and Skilled program, which continues to provide subsidies for approved qualifications from 1 July 2025. This ensures that students undertaking a registered traineeship contract have their formal training heavily subsidised, keeping the cost of study affordable.
To be eligible, trainees must be employed in NSW under a registered training contract and be completing a qualification that is on the NSW Skills List.
Employers can take on a trainee at any time. You will work with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network to register the training contract, and with us to agree the training plan and delivery arrangements.
Get in touch and we will walk you through what is involved, including the subsidies available in your state.
Whether you are looking for a traineeship or you are an employer wanting to take one on, tell us where you are up to and we will point you in the right direction.
Tell us where you are up to and we will come back to you with an honest answer, and we will check what you are likely to be eligible for.
