
Trades and Apprenticeships
When it comes to employability, cost and earning potential, an apprenticeship or traineeship is a great option if you like working with your hands.
Explore our courses
Trades and Apprenticeship courses
Swinburne has been offering TAFE qualifications for more than a century, which is why we’re one of the most trusted providers of traineeships, apprenticeships, and trades in Melbourne.
- Pre-apprenticeships (three to six months): Get your foot in the door, try something new and gain some basic industry skills before you start an apprenticeship.
- Apprenticeships (three to four years): Combine paid employment with formal training in fields such as carpentry/building and construction, electronics, electrotechnology, horticulture and more..
- Traineeships (one to two years): Enhance your skills with formal training while you’re working in paid non-trade employment. You can train on campus or at work.
- Trades short courses: These courses will help you prepare for licensed trade exams, or learn new skills.
Why study with us?
Students won awards at the 2019 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show*
Our students are regularly recognised with prestigious industry awards#

Apprenticeships at Swinburne
Take a tour of the specialist trades facilities at our Croydon campus, including carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing and electrotechnology training spaces.
-
After 40 years’ experience in the electrical industry and previous training roles in the workplace, a passion for teaching led Neil to return to what he sees as helping others prosper and progress, taking complex studies and putting them into simple terms to create interest and recall.
“Seeing students’ expressions when they grasp concepts, going on to then achieve certification and prosper with significant career success, has been rewarding.”
Neil (Teacher) , Enabling students to succeed in Electrotechology industry

Swinburne hosts WorldSkills Australia Regionals 2019
Held at Swinburne’s Croydon campus on 28 August, the WorldSkills Melbourne East Regionals featured five competing teams showcasing their skills across five trades.

From beauty therapy to plumbing
After completing her Certificate III in Plumbing, Aimee is encouraging other women to take the plunge and work in a trade.
The former beauty therapy student (and Survivor contestant!) discovered her passion during a day working on the tools with her dad.
“Having a trade under your belt opens so many doors...and the industry is booming,” she says.
-
PARTNERSHIPS
Supporting the local community
Swinburne is proud to continue its sponsorship of the Croydon Football Club throughout the 2018 season.
As Croydon’s primary sponsor, we understand the integral role sport plays in local communities, and Swinburne is delighted to support the local community, which surrounds one of its campuses.
*Swinburne students won five awards, including two gold medals
#This includes the Apprentice of The Year award
Looking for more?
-
Ready for tech off?
Apply to the uni that will prep you for a tech-rich future — no matter what you study! From advice to application help, we'll show you how.
-
Course guide
Find the course that will help you achieve your academic goals.
-
Got a question?
Speak with our friendly team and book a one-on-one appointment
-
Course planner
Begin planning the units you will study in your course.