Apprenticeships
Earn a wage while gaining a nationally recognised qualification with an apprenticeship at Swinburne – proudly offering TAFE qualifications for over 100 years.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a structured training pathway that combines on-the-job employment with formal study, allowing you to earn a wage while you get hands-on, industry-aligned training.
As an apprentice, you’ll split your time between:
- paid work with an employer
- practical and theoretical training delivered by Swinburne.
This model ensures you graduate with a valuable qualification backed by real industry experience.
How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship?
The length of an apprenticeship depends on the qualification and industry, but most take:
- 3 to 4 years to complete, combining work and study
- longer if undertaken part-time.
What industries can I train in?
Swinburne offers apprenticeship training across a range of in-demand trade areas, including:
What careers can an apprenticeship lead to?
An apprenticeship prepares you for skilled trade and technical careers across Victoria and beyond. Depending on the qualification, graduates may work as:
- electricians
- plumbers
- builders and construction specialists
- electricians
- fitters and turners
- engineering technicians.
What’s the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?
While both study options provide practical experience, there are a few key differences between apprenticeships and traineeships:
Industry
Apprenticeships often focus on trades in automotive, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and construction. Traineeships cover broader roles across industries such as health, business, and IT.
Length
Apprenticeships generally take 3 to 4 years, full or part-time, while traineeships are often shorter and range from 12 months to 2 years, full or part-time.
Career path
Apprenticeships often lead to skilled, hands-on trade careers, while traineeships can provide a taste of different roles as an entry point into a broader field.
Browse our apprenticeships
Why study with Swinburne?
Custom-fit courses
Flexible courses so study fits your life, not the other way around
Industry-class facilities
Specialist training facilities for world-class learning
Top 300 globally
Recognised in the QS World University Rankings 2026 top 300
Frequently asked questions
Most apprenticeships do not require an ATAR, as entry is generally based on securing employment with an approved employer and meeting course prerequisites.
A pre-apprenticeship is a short, preparatory course (usually a Certificate II level) that gives you basic industry skills and knowledge. These courses are designed to give you a taste of a trade or industry before committing to a full apprenticeship.
No, completing a pre-apprenticeship isn’t required before starting an apprenticeship. However, a pre-apprenticeship can help you build foundational skills and improve your confidence before entering the workforce.
At Swinburne, most standalone pre-apprenticeships are typically 10 weeks full-time. Pre-apprenticeships can also be completed as part of VET in Schools, where high school students usually study them over one to two years alongside Years 10–12.
If you already have clear career goals and feel confident in your chosen trade, you may choose to move straight into an apprenticeship.
For more information, visit our pre-apprenticeships page.
Thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
The specialist team at the Swinburne Skills and Jobs Centre can help you make career decisions, such as entering or re-entering the workforce, training, re-skilling or even completely changing careers.
We can also help you with résumé and cover letter preparation, interview skills, job search, information on employment trends, referral services and more. Our services are government-funded and available for free to everyone.
