What is a New Apprenticeship?

New Apprenticeships are similar to the old apprenticeships in that they combine work and training to provide participants with skills required in the workplace. The term "New Apprenticeships" is used to cover all employment-based training whether the participant is called a trainee or an apprentice.

What's new about New Apprenticeships?

They provide the skills that employers need now and can be tailored to best meet the enterprise's needs whilst at the same time, giving the participant an opportunity to gain skills of national significance that are more readily transportable and accepted. Some of the new features and benefits are that:

* they can be undertaken on a part-time basis

* there is flexibility in the wages structure

* apprenticeships are not restricted by age or previous academic qualification, they can even be started whilst still at school (refer to VET in Schools)

* New Apprenticeships are assessed on competency rather than time served which means it is possible for them to be completed more quickly

* New Apprentices can develop higher skill levels than was possible in the old system - training is now tailored to the level of competency required by the industry or enterprise

* training content can be varied to meet the requirements of the enterprise · the location and timing of training can be negotiated - training when you want it, where you want it

* the qualifications achieved under the New Apprenticeship Scheme are recognised throughout Australia.

For further information on New Apprenticeships visit www.nac.gov.au