Australian Students

An apprenticeship involves learning a skilled trade under a qualified tradesperson. In Australia, most trade-based apprenticeships take 4 years to obtain the Cert III in your trade. Foreigners cannot work a full 4-year apprenticeship in Australia. As you cannot obtain a work visa to do so.

Generally, during the apprenticeship, you will work on-site under your supervisor, as well as off-site with an education provider for a small amount of time.

International Students

International students can study a 1 or 2-year trade course at an education provider and receive the same qualification as an Australians who undertakes a 4-year apprenticeship. For example, an international student who goes to Tafe QLD and studies the Cert III in Carpentry for 2 years will receive the same qualification as an Australian who does an apprenticeship for 4 years. Both will hold the same certification.

The main difference is that for the majority of the time, international students learn their trade in a class or workshop setting. They are continuously learning new skills and also have vocational placement with an Australian employer.

A Vocational Placement is required for most trade courses, and generally involves 360 hours of experience on a real-life worksite. This sees student acquiring practical, hands-on training to complement their class studies.

Trade courses to study

Benefits of studying a trade qualification in Australia

The trade industry is one of the highest growth industries in Australia. Skilled trade workers are in high demand as employers continuously find it difficult to find qualified trades people. Here are some of the reasons why it’s a great idea to study a trade course:
1. Fees are cheaper compared to university qualifications
2. Course durations are usually shorter than university courses
3. Courses involve practical hands-on training
4. Eligibility for a graduate visa pathway including post study work rights
5. Permanent residency pathway
6. Employer Sponsorship opportunities
7. High salary
8. Independent business startup opportunities