Leaving school can feel confusing. Everyone says things like “get an apprenticeship” or “do a traineeship” or “try a short course” – but what does that actually look like day-to-day? An apprenticeship means you work and train with an employer (often in a trade like carpentry or plumbing) and attend a training college one day a week. A traineeship is similar but usually for non-trade jobs (like retail, hospitality or aged care) and often takes less time. Short courses or micro-credentials are standalone classes or workshops (for example, a week-long certificate in IT or a barista course) that teach specific skills. Each option has its own timeframe, payment and learning style. At Next Gen Youth Employment, we specialise in helping young people with disability figure this out. Our SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports) program pairs you with a Youth Coach to explore different pathways safely and build your skills.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a long-term training program (often 3–4 years full-time) that combines paid work with formal study. Think of it like a job where you also learn: you usually work about 4 days a week with an employer and spend 1 day at a training provider (like TAFE). You learn a trade or technical skill “on the job” – for example, as an electrician, mechanic, hairdresser or chef. During this time you earn a wage. In fact, apprenticeships are designed so you earn money while you learn. As the Fair Work Ombudsman explains, apprentices have a formal training contract and are paid a special apprentice wage that rises as you progress through the program. At the end of the apprenticeship, you finish with a nationally recognised qualification and real work experience. In other words, you become a qualified tradesperson or technician.

Apprenticeships are hands-on: you train on the job at a workplace (for example, at an automotive workshop or service station) while earning a wage. You get supervised practice and feedback from experienced workers every day, plus one day of classroom learning each week. This kind of learning-by-doing is great if you learn best in a practical setting. Apprenticeships are usually full-time and can take up to four years to complete. There are also part-time or school-based apprenticeships if needed.

Apprenticeships are common in traditional trades like construction, plumbing, electrical, automotive or hairdressing. But you don’t have to be studying a “trade” to do an apprenticeship in Australia. The key is that it’s a registered training contract: you, your employer and a registered training organisation (RTO, such as TAFE) agree on the course you’ll do and the support you need. Your employer pays you an apprentice wage while you train. (Under schemes like the Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS), the government even pays employers about $216 per week to hire a full-time apprentice with disability.) As you learn more, your wage goes up level-by-level. After finishing, you’ll be paid the full tradesperson rate for that job.

What is a traineeship?

A traineeship is similar to an apprenticeship but usually shorter and for other kinds of jobs. Traineeships cover things like administration, retail, business services, aged care, hospitality, or community services – areas where on-the-job training helps you learn a specific set of skills. Traineeships can be anywhere from 12 to 24 months full-time, depending on the qualification. You still sign a training contract and you still earn a wage while you train, but the pace is faster and the focus isn’t on a physical trade.

Traineeships can also be full-time or part-time. They involve a mix of on-the-job training (actually doing the work) and off-the-job training (like going to TAFE or college). For example, a retail traineeship might have you working in a store learning customer service on the floor, and spending a day or two at a training centre learning product knowledge and business skills. Like apprenticeships, traineeships give you a nationally recognised qualification when you finish. The government often funds much of the training, so your employer doesn’t have to pay full course fees.

In many ways, traineeships and apprenticeships are the same kind of program – the main differences are what you learn and how long it takes. As Skills Tasmania notes, apprenticeships are for “traditional” vocational areas (like carpentry or plumbing) and can take up to four years, while traineeships cover “non-traditional” areas (like aged care or retail) and usually take 1–2 years. Both count as on-the-job learning with pay.

What are short courses and micro-credentials?

Short courses and micro-credentials are bite-sized learning options that don’t involve being employed by an employer. They’re usually skills-based courses that last from a few days to several months. For example, you might do a short certificate in computer skills, barista training, forklift driving, or first aid. These courses often give you a certificate of completion (sometimes called a digital badge), but not a full trade qualification.

Micro-credentials are handy if you just want to learn one thing quickly or try out a job before committing to a longer course. They tend to be shorter and cheaper than full qualifications. Most micro-credentials are standalone: you won’t get a TAFE qualification, but you’ll get a certificate to prove the specific skill. Sometimes, you can even stack several micro-credentials together to count towards a larger certificate later. For instance, you might do separate short courses in customer service, basic admin, and barista skills.

Universities and TAFEs across Australia now offer many micro-certs and short courses in areas like digital marketing, project management, bookkeeping, disability support, and more. Free TAFE programs sometimes include short courses in popular fields. These short courses don’t usually involve an employer or wage – you often pay a (possibly subsidised) fee or use government training funding. They’re great for when you want a quick skill boost, or to test whether you enjoy a subject without jumping into a multi-year commitment.

On-the-job vs in-class learning

The big difference between apprenticeships/traineeships and courses is where you learn.

• Apprenticeships and traineeships are mainly on-the-job. You spend most days at a workplace, actually doing parts of the job with guidance from a trainer or experienced worker. One day a week (or a few weeks in blocks) you attend a training centre for theory or trade school. Because you’re employed, you earn wages during your training. For apprentices and trainees, the training provider (like TAFE) gets paid by the government or employer to teach you the qualification. You aren’t paying tuition; instead you’re paid a salary. In fact, “apprenticeships and traineeships help you earn money while you learn about a job”.

• Courses and micro-credentials are mostly in the classroom or online. You’ll have set class hours at a college, on-campus or online, and occasionally do unpaid work placements as part of the course. You don’t get paid a wage (unless you find a casual job on the side). These programs may cost course fees (though many are now free or subsidised). When you finish, you get a certificate or diploma showing what you studied. Courses can range from 6-month certificates (like Certificate II/III) up to multi-year diplomas or bachelor degrees, but short courses and micro-certs are usually weeks to months.

Each path leads to a valid outcome: apprenticeships and traineeships earn you a nationally recognised vocational qualification and actual work experience. Courses give you a credential that shows you have the knowledge (and maybe some hands-on practice) in a field.

Which pathway suits you? (Decision guide)

Everyone learns differently and has different needs. Here are some simple ideas to help match your style and goals to a pathway:

• If you learn best by doing things hands-on – For example, if you love building, fixing, cooking, or practising a skill – an apprenticeship might suit you. You’ll be on the job most days, so you learn by actually doing the work. You’ll earn a wage and get the feel of a real workplace. (And remember, many trades need strong routines and some physical stamina.)

• If you prefer a mix of work and study, but in a less “heavy-duty” setting – A traineeship could be ideal. If you’re interested in areas like retail, office admin, aged care or hospitality, this gives you some time on the job and some time in class, usually completed in about 1–2 years. You still get paid a wage, but the work might be more predictable day-to-day.

• If you like a classroom environment or need a more predictable routine – Consider doing a TAFE certificate or diploma course. This can give you practical skills for jobs in healthcare, IT, business, disability support, etc. Class-based study might suit if you need clear schedules or special learning support in a college setting. (You can also often get support tutors if you have disability needs.) After the course, you can apply for jobs or a traineeship.

• If you just want to try something quickly or add a skill – Look at short courses or micro-credentials. These might be half-day to few-month workshops (like barista training, forklift license, digital marketing basics, etc.). They’re great for testing an interest or boosting a resume. They often give you a certificate but not a full qualification. You could stack a few over time to build skills.

• If you have big support needs or need a gentle start – Remember that disability support can be built into many options. For example, apprentices and trainees can get extra help (see below), or you could start with a short supported course and work up. Programs like SLES can ensure you’re matched to a setting with the right support, and you’ll have a Youth Coach helping you adapt.

Try to match the training style to what motivates you. For instance:

• If you learn best in a workshop with tools or equipment, lean towards an apprenticeship/traineeship in a trade or hands-on area.

• If you prefer technology or classroom study, a course might be more engaging.

• Think about stamina and routine: long apprenticeships can be physically tiring, so if that’s a concern, you might start with shorter traineeships or part-time study first.

• Consider your strengths and interests: do you enjoy talking with people (customer service traineeship?), working with data (IT course?), or being creative (cafe/hospitality traineeship or course?).

• Ask yourself “Where do I see myself? Do I want to be in a workplace on Week 1 or do I want time to learn skills without a workplace pressure?”

At Next Gen Youth Employment, our Youth Coaches help you think through these questions. We look at your strengths and goals and then help organise the right opportunities.

Try-before-you-buy: Test a pathway with a checklist

You don’t have to commit on day one. Here are ways to trial a pathway before you dive in:

• Work trials: Many employers allow short work trials (even a single day) so you can experience a real job. This might be a paid or unpaid trial shift. As the JobJumpstart guide notes, employers use work trials to see if you have the right skills and fit in with the team. For example, you could arrange a half-day with a mechanic to see what it’s like or spend a shift at a cafe. This gives you a feel for the routine, tasks and how it matches you. (And yes, it’s okay to ask if the trial is paid or not – even unpaid trials by law can only last a couple of hours.)

• Taster days or open days: TAFEs and training colleges often run open days or short “taster” courses where you can try a bit of study in a field. Some industries run events (like “Try a Trade Day”) where you can try welding, cooking, or other skills for a day. School careers offices, local career expos or organisations often have info sessions – attend those. It costs you little but helps you see if the work or study environment suits you.

• School-based options: If you’re still finishing school, look into school-based apprenticeships/traineeships (SBATs) or VET courses. These let you start work training while still at school, so you don’t have to wait till after Year 12 to begin exploring. (For example, doing a Certificate II in Hospitality during Year 11 as part of school.) These are great ways to “dip your toe in” an industry with the safety of still being in school.

• Volunteering or part-time work: Think of volunteering or casual jobs in areas you’re interested in. For instance, volunteer at a local retail store or charity kitchen. This isn’t formal training, but it still builds your skills and confidence. It might lead to an employer who’s happy to offer a traineeship or apprenticeship later.

• Informational interviews: Talk to people who are already in the roles you’re curious about. Call or email an employer or an apprentice/trainee in your community and ask if you can meet them (or have a Zoom chat) to ask questions: “What’s a normal day like?” “What do you enjoy or find hard?” This can give honest insight. Many people are happy to share their experience and it helps you decide if you’d like to try the job.

• Short courses: If you’re wondering about a career, try a relevant short course first. For example, if you think you might like aged care, do a 1-day “Introduction to Aged Care” workshop. If it’s marketing you like, try a short computer course. These often have no strings attached and can be inexpensive or free.

We recommend checking off at least a couple of these before locking in a long course or contract. At Next Gen, we can arrange paid work trials and taster experiences with our employer partners, so you can test it out with support.

Support for learners with disability

If you have a disability, there are extra supports available in each pathway. Apprenticeships and traineeships have special incentives and assistance:

• Wage support (DAAWS): The government’s Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support pays employers weekly (around $216 for a full-time apprentice) if they hire an apprentice with disability. This can encourage businesses to offer you an apprenticeship and helps offset any extra costs.

• Extra training help: If you’re an apprentice who needs extra help with your off-the-job training, many RTOs (TAFEs and colleges) can provide tutorial or mentoring support. For example, you might get one-on-one tutoring sessions or the use of assistive technology in class. These are funded by government training packages. You can ask your training provider what disability supports they have.

• Workplace adjustments (EAF): Through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF), employers can get funding to modify equipment or the worksite so apprentices or trainees with disability can do the job comfortably. For example, getting special tools, communication aids or physical adjustments at work. The EAF “provides funding support for a wide range of work-related modifications and services so apprentices with disability can fully participate”. This means if you need any adaptations (like hearing loops, desk aids, sensory equipment, etc.), your employer can access grants to help.

• Training allowances: In some cases, there are allowances for transport, tools or uniforms for trainees/apprentices with disability. Check with your Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (your training coordinator) or through your SLES provider (Next Gen can advise) about any extra allowances you can claim.

No matter which path you pick, Next Gen Youth Employment will help you set things up so you have the support you need. For example, as part of our SLES program we help you get disability-related supports built into your plan and arranged at work placements or courses.

How Next Gen Youth Employment can help

You don’t have to figure all this out alone. Next Gen Youth Employment is a not-for-profit that focuses entirely on helping young people with disability transition from school to work. Through the NDIS-funded School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program, we guide you step-by-step.

When you join Next Gen, we pair you with a dedicated Youth Coach. Together we assess your interests, strengths and career goals, and build a plan around what’s realistic for you. Our coaches help set up relevant training, find trial placements or traineeships, and introduce you to employers who want to hire people like you. Because we work closely with local businesses in industries like retail, hospitality, manufacturing and more, we can often organise a paid work trial or traineeship placement so you try before you commit.

Next Gen also helps you develop the “readiness skills” you need. This includes helping you with communication, interview practice, resumes, and learning workplace behaviours. If you need any workplace or training adjustments (as discussed above), your Coach can help coordinate those. We keep the process in manageable steps – for example, first a short work trial in a kitchen, then a 2-week traineeship in retail, then a longer apprenticeship in hospitality – always building confidence and skills along the way.

In short, through SLES and Next Gen’s support, you get to explore apprenticeships, traineeships and courses safely. We are one of the few NDIS providers focused solely on school leaver employment. Our approach is completely focused on you – your pace, your interests, your goals.

Ready to take the next step?

Choosing the right pathway after school is a big decision, but remember there’s support out there. Don’t feel rushed or forced into one option – take the time to learn and try things out.

If you’re a young person with disability in Australia, Next Gen Youth Employment can help you understand apprenticeships, traineeships, courses and micro-credentials, and find the one that fits you. We can answer your questions and help you plan. To get started, contact Next Gen Youth Employment. Call us on 0399 683 021 or email info@nextgenye.com.au to learn more.

With the right guidance and a bit of trialling, you will find a pathway that suits your strengths and interests. Next Gen is here to help you every step of the way on your journey from school to work.