Trade Apprenticeship for Foreigners
Trade apprenticeship in Australia
Many international students are interested in undertaking a trade apprenticeship in Australia. This article discusses the many options available, including requirements, restrictions for international students.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is time spent learning a skilled trade under the direction of a qualified tradesperson. There are hundreds of different trades such as carpentry, auto mechanic, electrician or plumber. As an apprentice, you and an employer have a legal agreement called a training contract. This lasts until you have completed your training and both you and your employer agree you are competent in your field. In Australia, most trade-based apprenticeships take 4 years to complete. This will see you holding a Certificate III in your trade.
Generally, during the apprenticeship, you will work on the job under your supervisor at your place of work for 4 days per week, as well as off the job with an education provider for 1 day per week.
You are paid throughout the 4-year apprenticeship and your pay increases every year. The government usually pays part of your wage your employer and part of your fees to your education provider.
For most international students and temporary visa holders, undertaking a standard Australian Apprenticeship can be difficult and eligibility depends on visa conditions and state or territory requirements. However, there are still options available to learn a trade in Australia.
Can international students learn a trade in Australia?
Fortunately, there is an option for international students who would like to learn a trade in Australia. International students can study a 2-year course program in their trade at an education provider and may graduate with the same nationally recognised qualification.
How does it work?
Students can enrol to study many trade courses in Australia including: carpentry, automotive mechanical, automotive electrical, joinery, boat building, chef, electrical instrumentation, cabinet maker, engineering fabrication and trade, air conditioning and refrigeration, bricklaying, plastering, heavy diesel commercial mechanic and many more.
The main difference is that international students attend classes the majority of the time and have limited vocational placements with Australian employers.
What is a vocational placement?
Vocational placement requirements vary depending on the trade course and education provider. Where required, placement gives students practical, hands-on experience in an approved workplace setting alongside their classroom training.
Depending on the course, international students may complete the same nationally recognised qualification that can be undertaken through an Australian Apprenticeship. For example, an international student completing the Certificate III in Carpentry at TAFE Queensland can graduate with the CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry. However, the study and apprenticeship pathways have different training, employment and practical experience arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
In case you don't find an answer to your question, feel free to consult with one of our agents.
What if I find an employer who will take me on as an apprentice?
Unfortunately, you cannot undertake the apprenticeship.
Can Australian permanent residents undertake a trade apprenticeship?
Quite possibly. Contact your local state-based apprenticeship provider to find out more.
Can I work when I am studying?
Yes, most international students studying a trade can undertake paid work. Student visa holders are generally subject to work-hour restrictions while their course is in session, so students should check the conditions attached to their visa.
Can I stay and work in Australia when I finish my course?
If you undertake a 2-year trade course in Australia, then you may be eligible for the graduate work visa afterwards. More info can be found here, or feel free to contact Pathway to Aus directly to learn more.