Apprenticeships have been the traditional pathway for training when entering into the automotive repairs, sales and service industry. They usually involve up to four years of full time work and training and result in a “trade” certificate or qualification in trade areas such as a motor mechanic, motorcycle mechanic, diesel fitter, parts interpreter or auto electrician.
An apprenticeship is a highly structured training program of on-the-Job and off-the job training supplemented by related technical instruction to develop, maintain, and expand skills.
An employee and an employer sign a formal training agreement or training contract which is required to be registered with the state or territory training authority before it is legal. The training agreement, like any other legal document, is a binding document which outlines the employer's and apprentice’s rights and obligations to provide and undertake training.
An apprentice is normally considered a beginner in the specified trade and will commence the apprenticeship performing less technical tasks in the first year, progressively becoming more productive with time and experience and as technical training is completed.
An apprentice is expected to:
- apply themselves to their on-the-job training and make every effort to learn the trade and attain the skills of a qualified tradesperson;
- apply themselves to the off-the-job training, remembering that attendance is compulsory and satisfactory completion is a requirement for the issuing of a Trade Certificate; and
- co-operate with the employer in order to achieve the desired training outcomes.
On successful completion of an apprenticeship, a tradesperson will continue developing their experience and may consider:
- setting up his/her own business
- become a supervisor, foreman or controller
- continue training in a Certificate 4 in the chosen trade