Part-time apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships can be undertaken on a part-time basis. The apprentice or trainee and the employer need to agree on a period of time for the training contract to best meet both of their needs.
Note: Apprentices and trainees can’t be employed on a casual basis. They must be full-time, part-time or school-based.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship can be started while the employee is still at high school, generally while they are completing year 11 or 12. The school-based arrangement allows the employee to stay in high school and train towards a recognised qualification at the same time.
Important! An employer and apprentice or trainee must seek permission and support from the apprentice or trainee’s school prior to starting a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.
How often does an apprentice attend trade school?
Attendance at the Registered Training Organisation is compulsory. An apprentice should generally attend trade school at least once a week. In some instances, apprentices may attend blocks of training where the apprentice attends trade school for a full week.
Frequency of training should be agreed between the employer and the apprentice, depending on the business and qualification requirements and the provisions of the relevant award.
Attendance at trade school is paid time and unauthorised absences from trade school will generally mean that the apprentice will not be paid for this time (unless they take personal leave for illness or injury and follow the normal processes for doing this).