You can start by looking through job ads in your area or contacting employers that you might like to work for. Also, ask around. Sometimes friends or family have their own business or know someone who’s looking to employ an apprentice or trainee in their business.

CIT advertises some job vacancies on our looking for employment web page. If you are still at school, talk to your Career Advisor or VET/ASbA/SBAT Coordinator. There are also organisations that assist job hunters find a job, including Group Training Organisations (GTOs) who hire apprentices and trainees and match them with an employer.

An Apprentice Connect Australia Provider can also help - see details below.

Apprentice Connect Australia Providers are contracted by the Australian Government to help apprentices and trainees and employers sign into an Australian Apprenticeship Training Contract. They offer free advice and support services regarding what is involved and the assistance they can provide throughout an Australian Apprenticeship from pre-commencement to completion.

The Apprentice Connect Australia Provider can also give you advice around financial support that you may be eligible for to help with the costs of your apprenticeship. Details on their services and contact details are on our Apprentice Connect Australia Providers web page.

The job you undertake will likely indicate the qualification you will need to study for an apprenticeship or traineeship. Your employer, Apprentice Connect Australia Provider or CIT will be able to guide you on this.

To find a qualification you can check out the apprenticeship and traineeship courses offered at CIT.

Contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or infoline@cit.edu.au, they can put you in contact with the appropriate area at CIT.

An Australian Apprenticeship Training Contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer, and apprentice or trainee. The Training Contract outlines each party’s responsibilities and obligations to work and train together for the duration of the apprenticeship or traineeship, the qualification the apprentice or trainee will undertake, and which Registered Training Organisation will deliver the training.

If an apprentice or trainee is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian is also required to sign the agreement.

State Training Authorities (STAs) are responsible for the operation and regulation of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system including Australian Apprenticeships within their state and territory jurisdiction. STAs are responsible for approval and management of Australian Apprenticeship Training Contracts, and any variations to the contract throughout an apprenticeship or traineeship. The ACT and NSW STAs are:

Skills Canberra – Call (02) 6205 8555, email skills@act.gov.au or visit act.gov.au/skills

Training Services NSW – Call 13 28 11, email trade.skills@industry.nsw.gov.au or visit training.nsw.gov.au.

Apprentices and trainees need to have an approved Australian Apprenticeship Training Contract before enrolling in a qualification at CIT. CIT will contact you to enrol in your subjects and you will either be invited to attend an information and enrolment session or directed to enrol into your subjects online.

The enrolment process is not complete until your fees are paid. Find out more about enrolling.

If you have any questions about the enrolment process, contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or infoline@cit.edu.au.

Prior to commencing your training at CIT, you will be required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) assessment to help identify areas where you may require additional assistance to successfully undertake your training and achieve your qualification. Some CIT courses may also have a particular level you will need to meet as part of entry requirements into the course. CIT will contact you via email to complete the LLND assessment.

The total cost of training in your qualification at CIT is advertised on the CIT website and varies for each course. The advertised qualification fee is for an apprentice or trainee that successfully completes all units of competency on the first attempt.

The Government subsidises some apprenticeship and traineeship course fees for eligible qualifications identified by the Government as being an occupation with a skills shortage. Courses that are not subsidised are classified as full fee.

An invoice for your fees will be emailed to you after enrolment. Your invoice will be itemised per subject and costs will vary depending on the number of subjects you enrol into. If your employer is paying your fees, make sure a copy of the invoice is forwarded to them for payment by the due date.

If you are eligible for a fee concession your fees may be reduced by 50 per cent. You must have a concession applied every semester before classes start and before any invoice is paid. Find out more about our course fees and assistance.

There may be some additional expenses not covered by student fees for resources specific to the subject you undertake e.g., tools and equipment, uniforms, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). You will be advised of these at enrolment.

A Training Plan is developed by CIT with the apprentice or trainee and employer and sets out how and when training and assessment will be conducted for you to achieve your qualification and enable you to track your progress.

Example of an Australian Apprenticeships training plan

Most CIT teaching departments operate on semester-based training calendars with classes generally commencing in February and July each year. Each qualification is different, and the start date may vary for your classes. Your start date will be confirmed at enrolment.

- Attend classes, talk to your teachers and admin support staff if you are unsure about anything, have concerns about the workload or need help with your studies.

- Get to know other apprentices and trainees studying in the same qualification.

- Undertake training and assessment according to your training plan.

- Maintain a training record of your workplace activities for your employer to verify.

- Keep track of your progress.