Terms you need to understand
The language of apprenticeships and traineeships can be confusing. Below are explanations of some common terms you may come across.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | a legally-binding training arrangement between an employer and an apprentice that combines structured training with paid employment. Apprenticeships usually take four years to complete, with training taking place both at the workplace and with a training provider. |
| Block release | where an apprentice or trainee goes to the training provider to undertake training for a block of time (for example, full-time for three weeks). |
| Competency-based training | competency-based training places primary emphasis on what a person can do as a result of their training and experience. This means that the time required to complete the apprenticeship or traineeship is flexible. For time-based apprenticeships and traineeships, the training contract specifies a particular period of time. |
| Day release | scheduled days when the apprentice or trainee attends training with the training provider (for example, one day a week over six months) |
| Australian apprenticeships (also known as New Apprenticeships) | the former name given by the Commonwealth Government to apprenticeships and traineeships when competency-based training was introduced. In Queensland, 'new apprenticeships' are referred to as 'apprenticeships and traineeships'. The current term is Australian Apprenticeships. |
| Off-the-job training | training that is away from work or removed from routine work duties. This can take place either in the workplace or at a training venue. |
| On-the-job training | training and work skills apprentices and trainees receive while they are working. |
| Probation | a period of time at the beginning of an apprenticeship or traineeship which allows the employer and the apprentice or trainee to decide whether they want to continue with the apprenticeship or traineeship |
| School-based apprenticeships and traineeships | allows year 11 and 12 students to achieve a Senior Certificate while working and training in an industry field to achieve a nationally recognised qualification. |
| Traineeship | a structured training and paid employment arrangement that involves a contract between the employer and the trainee. Traineeships vary in length from 12 months to three years. |
| Training contract | a legally binding contract for training and employment between an employer and an apprentice or trainee (and parent or guardian if the apprentice or trainee is under 18 years of age. |
| Training plan | outlines the training and assessment to be undertaken. |
| Training record | records the progress and achievement of competencies by an apprentice or trainee, as outlined in the training plan. |
For more definitions of terms used in vocational education and training, see the glossary on this site.
Contact Apprenticeships info 1800 210 210 or Training Queensland 1300 369 935
This page was last updated at Monday, November 05, 2007
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