WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is structured employment that combines paid work, trade-specific training and hands-on workshop experience. It leads to a nationally recognised qualification and provides a pathway into the automotive trade with opportunities to upskill and progress.
Under our model, VACC is your employer and manages wages and entitlements. We place you with a Host Business for day-to-day work and coordinate your TAFE to deliver and assesses your formal training and issue the qualification on completion.
Apprenticeship
An automotive apprenticeship usually takes three to four years to complete. During this time, you’ll split your learning between the workshop and TAFE. In the workshop, you’ll build skills by working alongside qualified tradespeople. At TAFE you’ll study the theory and complete assessments that match your trade.
When you finish, you’ll earn a nationally recognised trade qualification that can be used anywhere in Australia and gives you the option to keep working, specialise further, or continue into higher training.
School-Based Apprenticship
A school-based apprenticeship lets you start an automotive trade while you’re still at school. It combines part-time paid work in a workshop with TAFE study and your regular school subjects. This means you can work towards a nationally recognised qualification while completing your secondary schooling.
You’ll usually spend one or two days a week in the workplace, supported by a Host Employer and overseen by a Field Manager, while the rest of your week is dedicated to school and TAFE requirements. Your time at TAFE counts as part of your normal school program, and the work you do in the workshop contributes to your apprenticeship progression.
When you finish school, you can continue directly into a full-time apprenticeship, carrying over the skills, experience, and units you’ve already completed. This pathway is designed to give students a head start in the automotive industry, while keeping education on track.
What's the difference between Apprenticeship and School-Based one?
A full-time apprenticeship usually starts after you’ve finished school and runs for about four years. You’re employed full-time by VACC, placed with a Host Business, and spend most of your week in the workshop, with blocks of time at TAFE for formal training.
A school-based apprenticeship works a little differently. Instead of full-time work, you combine school studies with part-time work in the automotive trade. You might spend one or two days a week at your Host Business and at TAFE, while the rest of the week you’re completing your school subjects.
Benefits with VACC
Choosing VACC for your Automotive Apprenticeship means you’re supported from day one. We employ you directly, place you with a Host Business that matches your trade, and guide you through every stage of training. This model ensures your pay, training, and career development are managed properly so you can focus on learning your trade.
Secure Employment
VACC is your official employer, managing your wages, superannuation, and entitlements.
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Ongoing Support
A dedicated Field Manager visits regularly, helping with training progress, workplace issues, and career guidance.
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Approved Workplaces
All Host Businesses are VACC members, so you’re placed in a workshop where you can learn with confidence.
Become a HostEligibility
Most people can apply for an automotive apprenticeship, but there are a few key requirements you’ll need to meet. These ensure you’re eligible to start and that the training you complete leads to a recognised qualification in your chosen trade.
Citizenship
Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Age
Minimum age is 16 years.
Licence
A driver’s licence is preferred but not required.
Location
You must live in the state where you start your apprenticeship.
Prior Study
You can’t already hold a Certificate III or higher in the trade you’re applying for.