Starting an apprenticeship

Your apprenticeship journey begins when you sign your Training Contract. This agreement between you, your employer and your training provider marks the official start of your apprenticeship or traineeship.

As part of the sign-up process, our team will help set up and manage your Training Contract and answer any questions you may have.
Take time to read through the pre-sign up pack provided and save copies of important documents somewhere easy to access. It includes the Fair Work apprentice checklist, incentive information, contact details, and support services available to you — so keep it handy throughout your apprenticeship, not just at the start.

Before your apprenticeship begins, you'll also complete a readiness assessment with our team. It's a straightforward conversation about your goals, the role, and any support that will help you succeed — not something to stress about.

What's the difference between an apprenticeship and a traineeship?

An apprenticeship is a type vocation training where you will earn a wage that increases incrementally over a four-year period, whilst also working towards qualification related to your industry. Apprenticeships are less broad compared to traineeships and are mainly available for trade based roles.

A traineeship is also a type of vocational training (training under a supervisor) where you earn a wage and learn about the industry and job you’re in! Traineeships cover a huge range of industries (over 700) from business-related fields such as marketing or administration, to hospitality & more! To search the qualification you wish to undertake, use the NT Apprenticeships and Traineeships Database.

What is a school-based apprenticeship/traineeship? 

A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, also known as an “SBAT,” is a type of apprenticeship or traineeship that is completed while a student is still in secondary school.

An SBAT provides students with a head start on their chosen career path by providing them with real-world work experience and training while they are still in school.

One of the main benefits of a SBAT is that it allows students to begin earning money and building their skills and experience in their chosen field. This can help participants to be more competitive when they enter the workforce after graduation. Additionally, students who participate in SBATs are more likely to complete their apprenticeship or traineeship, which can lead to better job prospects and higher earning potential.

DOWNLOAD THE SBAT TOOLKIT

What are the best career opportunities for me?

Not sure where to start? That's exactly what our Careers Team is for. We know what's happening across industries right across the Territory — with local teams in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek — and we'll help you work out what actually suits you, not just what's available.

Tell us what you're into, or even if you've got no idea yet, and we'll help you find a career and lifestyle that fits. 

Call us on (08) 8935 8200, email careers@gtntgroup.com.au, or send through a request and we'll get in touch with you.

Before your first day, there's some paperwork to sort out — your employer and our team will help you through it.

Things your employer will need from you:

• A bank account for your wages to go into
• A superannuation fund
• Your tax file number (TFN)

Things you'll need to sort separately:

• A Unique Student Identifier (USI) — a government ID number you need before training can start
• ID and personal details for your paperwork
• Set up ADMS — this is how you access financial support, claims and contact information
   

Starting a new workplace can feel nerve-racking, especially if it's your first job or apprenticeship. A bit of preparation goes a long way toward feeling ready.

Before your first day

• Know your start time, where you need to be for work and training, and how you'll get there
• Have your key documents on hand — tax file number, bank and super details
• Check with your employer whether you need any equipment or a uniform

Once you're in the job

• Turn up on time, every time
• Introduce yourself and get to know your colleagues
• Ask questions when you're unsure — nobody expects you to know it all on day one
• Watch and learn from the people around you

Your apprenticeship or traineeship combines paid work with formal training. In your first few weeks, your employer and RTO will work with you to develop a Training Plan.

Your Training Plan will cover: 

• What you'll be learning
• When your training sessions happen
• Any assessments you'll need to complete

To stay on track:

• Show up to work and training as required
• Get assessments done on time
• Keep up with your learning between sessions
• Maintain your logbook, if your qualification requires one

If anything's unclear, ask — your employer, your RTO and our team are all there to help.

Throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship, Apprenticeships Northern Territory will stay engaged with you and check in from time to time. These check-ins are a chance to talk about your progress, make sure your training is on track and discuss any challenges. They're known as Progress Contacts.

Progress Contacts 

You may discuss:

• Your progress at work and training
• Any challenges you're facing
• Anything affecting your apprenticeship or traineeship
• Any support you may need

These check-ins may take place in person, visual electronic or over the phone, either with us or the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

It's normal to need extra support at different stages of your apprenticeship or traineeship.
Struggling with something at work, with your training, or outside of it? We're here to help — and can connect you with mentoring and support tailored to what you need.

Nobody expects you to manage it alone.

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