Australian Apprenticeships still encompass all apprenticeships and traineeships.They combine time at work with training and can be full-time,part-time or school-based.

The change of name and appearance is the first step in a range of improvements in Australian Apprenticeships to be introduced in the coming months.

Australian Apprenticeships are the best way to combine training and employment and lead to a nationally recognised qualification.

Australian Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age and do not require any entry qualifications. You can be a school-leaver,re-entering the workforce or simply wishing to change careers.

Australian Apprenticeships offer:

- A great way to get a head start in a chosen career.

- Paid Work and structured training that can be on-the-job, off-the-job or a combination of both

- Competency based which means you can complete your training faster if you reach the required skills level.

- Existing skills and prior experience are recognised and course credit granted, potentially reducing formal training time. Available as full-time or part-time,also available part-time in many schools.

- Leads to nationally recognised qualifications and skills which provide the basis for further education and training over the course of your working life.

- A pathway from school to work.

Australian Apprenticeships are available in a variety of certificate levels in more than 500 occupations across Australia, in traditional trades, as well as a diverse range of emerging careers in most sectors of business and industry, including:

- Printing

- Process manufacturing

- Property services

- Public services

- Retail

- Seafood

- Sport and recreation

- Telecommunications

- Tourism

- Transport and distribution

- Utilities and energy

- Agriculture,horticulture and related industries

- Automotive

- Building and Construction

- Business services

- Food

- Hairdressing

- Community services and health

- Information Technology

- Light manufacturing

- Local government

- Metals and Engineering

So, no matter what industry you might be interested in, there is likely to be an Australian Apprenticeship to meet your needs.For more information contact an Australian Apprenticeships Centre in your region.

The latest figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research shows as at the December 2005 quarter there were 389,000 Australian Apprentices in training.Further figures are available at www.ncver.edu.au

In some states and territories, Australian Apprenticeships are known as apprenticeships and traineeships

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