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A traineeship, like an apprenticeship, is a legal agreement between an employer and an employee (the trainee), that allows the trainee to undertake formal training while also gaining work experience. Traineeships are administered under the Commonwealth Australian Apprenticeships System.
Trainees are paid employees who work under supervision to develop their skills on the job. They also receive accredited training that leads to a nationally recognised qualification. This training is delivered by an approved Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO) who will negotiate a Training Plan with the employer and the trainee.
Traineeships can be undertaken full-time, part-time (15 hours per week averaged over a 4-week cycle), or school-based (see section on VET in School {VETiS} for further information on school-based trainees as special conditions apply). Traineeships generally have a fixed duration, most commonly one to two years for full time trainees.
Benefits of traineeships
For Employers
- Trainees learn and develop many of their skills under the supervision of the employer, who is able to tailor on-the-job training to suit the needs of the business.
- Employers are able to choose from a range of training providers and fully negotiate a training plan.
- Once the traineeship is finished the employer will benefit from having access to qualified, ‘job-ready’ workers.
- Commonwealth incentives are available for eligible organisations who employ trainees.
For Trainees
- trainees earn a wage while learning new skills and obtaining a subsidised qualification.
- traineeships can lead to further job outcomes and career pathways.
- mentoring and other supports are available for trainees.
Both employers and trainees are able to access free support throughout the traineeship via the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN).
The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training is responsible for managing the apprenticeship and traineeship system in Queensland and has regional offices throughout the state to provide information and assistance on all aspects of Vocational Education and Training (VET).
For a list of DESBT regional offices and contact details, please visit:
https://desbt.qld.gov.au/contact-us/regional
Funding and costs
Administered by DESBT, the User Choice Skills Assure supplier 2020–21 program subsidises the cost of the accredited training delivered under a traineeship and these subsidies are paid directly to the SRTO. In most instances, trainees may be required to pay a co-contribution fee to the SRTO. The co-contribution amount can vary depending on certain factors and in some cases may be waived. It is recommended anyone considering undertaking a traineeship confirm any costs with the SRTO they are planning to engage before entering into a traineeship agreement.
Traineeships available in the Disability Services Sector
All traineeships in Queensland are listed on the Queensland Training Information Service (QTIS) website. QTIS provides traineeship and apprenticeship related information including:
- eligibility requirements
- traineeship durations
- qualification information
- industrial relations information.
The traineeships listed below are specifically for individuals wishing to work in the Disability Support sector. For further information on traineeships in Queensland, visit the Queensland Training Information Service (QTIS) at:
http://www.qtis.training.qld.gov.au
Disability Support Worker Traineeship
Disability Support Workers provide a range of support services for people living with a disability, including assisting with personal care, domestic duties and social inclusion activities.
Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
Funding Source: DESBT through the User Choice Skills Assure supplier 2020–21 program.
Nominal Duration: 12 months (full-time)
For more information visit QTIS: http://www.qtis.training.qld.gov.au/Qualification/Details?modelCode=CHC33015C&version=0&trainingCatalogNumber=21638
Disability Worker Traineeship
Disability Workers assist people with a disability to achieve greater empowerment by providing education and support on how to improve areas such as independence and social participation. Disability workers may work with other service providers to assess client needs and develop and implement plans to meet these.
Please note: This traineeship is restricted to existing workers in the Community Services and Health industry, which includes parents and unpaid carers of NDIS participants.
Qualification: Certificate IV in Disability
Funding Source: This traineeship is funded through DESBT’s Higher Level Skills program.
Nominal Duration: 24 months (full-time)
For more information visit QTIS: http://www.qtis.training.qld.gov.au/Qualification/Details?modelCode=CHC43115&version=0&trainingCatalogNumber=0
Allied Health Assistant Traineeship
Allied Health Assistants work under the supervision of Allied Health professionals such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists and perform a range of non-professional tasks in Allied Health therapeutic programs.
Qualification: Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
Funding Source: DESBT through the User Choice Skills Assure supplier 2020–21 program.
Nominal Duration: 12 months (full-time)
For more information visit QTIS:
Community Service Worker Traineeship
Community Service Workers provide support to individuals through the provision of person-centred services. They may also assist communities through the development and implementation of community-based programs.
Qualification: Certificate III in Community Services
Funding Source: DESBT through the User Choice Skills Assure supplier 2020–21 program.
Nominal Duration: 18 months (full-time)
For more information visit QTIS:
