Apprenticeships & Traineeships Overview
Completing an Apprenticeship or Traineeship with CTA Training Specialists (Club Training Australia) enables you to work anywhere, including some of the best restaurants and cafés the world has to offer!
If you’re a venue or hospitality business interested in offering Apprenticeships or Traineeships, please contact Christian Mott.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training toward a nationally recognised qualification. You work for an employer, earn a wage from day one, and complete formal training with a training organisation that builds directly on what you're doing on the job. Apprenticeships typically run for three to four years, though the exact duration depends on the qualification and how quickly you demonstrate competency. You sign a Training Contract with your employer, which is registered with the state training authority and sets out the obligations on both sides.
Every expert was once a beginner.
What is a traineeship?
A traineeship is very similar. Most traineeships run between 12 and 24 months, and also combines paid work plus formal training under a registered Training Contract. In hospitality specifically, a traineeship lets you move from entry-level work into supervisory and management roles with a qualification that employers across the country recognise. Traineeships are available on a full-time or part-time basis, and school students can begin one before they finish Year 12. Traineeships are a great way to get a foot in the door, gain experience and earn a nationally recognised qualification.
What qualifications can I do?
CTA Training Specialists delivers the following qualifications through traineeship pathways:
SIT30622
Certificate III in Hospitality — typically 12–24 months
SIT30821
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery — typically 18–24 months
BSB30120
Certificate III in Business — typically 12–24 months
CTA Training Specialists delivers the following qualifications through apprenticeship pathways:
SIT30622
Certificate III in Hospitality — typically 24–36 months
SIT30821
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery — typically 36–48 months
BSB30120
Certificate III in Business — typically 24–36 months
BSB40520
Certificate IV in Leadership & Management — typically 12–24 months
SIT40521
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management — typically 36–48 months
SIT40422
Certificate IV in Hospitality — typically 18–24 months
Not sure which level suits you? Your starting point usually depends on how much industry experience you already have and what your employer needs from the role. Give us a shout and we can talk it through with you.
Why choose this path?
You're on a wage from your first day, with award rates set for apprentices and trainees.
What you learn in your training is what you do at work that week. There's no gap between theory and application.
Graduates from university-only pathways compete for entry-level roles with no track record. You finish with both, and often a job offer from the employer who trained you.
Your certificate is portable across every state and territory.
School-Based Traineeships let students in Years 10–12 begin a qualification while completing their school. You work part-time and train toward a nationally recognised qualification. Learn more about School-Based Traineeships.
Who is it for?
Traineeships and apprenticeships suit you if:
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You're leaving school and want to start working rather than study full-time
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You're already working in hospitality and want to formalise your skills
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You're changing careers and need a qualification without stepping out of the workforce
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You're a school student wanting a head start on a career
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You've tried further study and found you learn better by doing
There’s no upper age limit. Adult apprentices and trainees are common, and some funding arrangements specifically support mature-age entrants.
Looking for an employer?
If you're keen to start an apprenticeship but need help finding an employer, CTA Training can help. We can connect you with an employer who's looking for an apprentice.
Process of applying
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Get in touch. Tell us what you're interested in and where you're based. If you don't have an employer yet, let us know.
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Find your employer. Either you already have one, or we connect you with a venue in our network looking to take on a trainee or apprentice.
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Sign the Training Contract. You, your employer, and an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider complete and lodge the contract with your state training authority.
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Enrol with CTA. We complete your enrolment, confirm your funding eligibility, and set up your Training Plan.
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Start earning and learning. Training begins alongside your work, with your CTA trainer visiting on-site and supporting you throughout.
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Complete and get qualified. Once you've demonstrated competency across all units, your qualification is issued.
Funding and fees
Government funding is available for eligible apprentices and trainees, which significantly reduces or in some cases eliminates course fees. What's available depends on your state, your age, your prior qualifications, and the qualification you're enrolling in. Employers may also be eligible for incentive payments for taking on an apprentice or trainee. Because eligibility varies, the most reliable way to find out what you'll pay is to talk to us directly. We'll check your circumstances against current funding programs in your state and give you a clear answer before you commit.
How traineeships and apprenticeships work at CTA Training Specialists
We come to you. Your trainer visits your workplace, works with you and your supervisor, and assesses your competency in the environment where you actually do the job.
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Workplace-based delivery. Training and assessment happen on-site, scheduled around your roster.
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A dedicated trainer. You have one trainer who knows you, your venue, and your progress.
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Industry-experienced staff. Our trainers have worked in hospitality. They know what a busy service looks like.
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Employer support. We keep your employer informed and make the administrative side straightforward.
Apply now
Ready to start? Fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch to talk through your options, check your funding eligibility.
FAQs
Yes. Apprentices and trainees are employees and are paid under the relevant award or agreement from the start.
Traineeships typically run 12–24 months; apprenticeships usually three to four years. Some qualifications can be completed faster if you demonstrate competency early.
You need an employer to sign a Training Contract. If you don't have one, get in touch and we can help connect you with employers in our network.
Yes, through a School-Based Traineeship.
Government funding is available for eligible students and often covers most or all of the fee. Contact us and we'll check your eligibility.
No. There's no upper age limit, and adult apprentices and trainees are common.
Recognition of Prior Learning may let you skip units you can already demonstrate competency in, shortening your qualification.
At your workplace. Your trainer comes to you.
Your Training Contract can be transferred to a new employer so you don't lose progress. We'll help you manage that.
A nationally recognised qualification issued by CTA Training Specialists (RTO #31607), valid across Australia.
