Complete an apprenticeship or traineeship

Pathways for your staff to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Learn about recognition of prior learning, competency-based completion, full-term completion, processes and certificates.

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Pathways to completing

There are two main pathways for apprentices or trainees to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. These are: 

Processes involved

To complete an apprenticeship or traineeship:

  • The apprentice or trainee must complete all the competencies in the Training Plan 
  • The employer must confirm with the registered training organisation (RTO) the apprentice or trainee is competent in the workplace.
  • The RTO must report the completion of formal training to Training Services and issue the qualification to the apprentice or trainee.
  • Training Services will confirm it’s complete and issue a Certificate of Proficiency to the apprentice or trainee. See our information on Certificates below. 

Full-term completion

This usually means completing the qualification within the term of the Training Contract. Usually 1-4 years, depending on the pathway taken. 

The apprentice or trainee must have  

  • completed formal training to achieve required competencies
  • met industry standards through workplace training. 

The RTO needs to receive the employer's endorsement before issuing the qualification.

A Certificate of Proficiency can then be issued by Training Services. 

Early completion  

Apprentices or trainees can complete their apprenticeships or traineeships early if they:  

  • have prior training and knowledge that counts towards the qualification (Recognition of prior learning or RPL) or 
  • achieve competency quickly.  

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)  

Does your apprentice or trainee already have prior skills and knowledge in the trade or industry? 

These can count as a credit towards their qualification. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 

RPL may mean less time in training to gain the apprenticeship/traineeship qualification faster.  

Ask your registered training organisation (RTO) if you’d like your apprentice or trainee to get RPL. 

Your RTO will determine your apprentice or trainee's relevant knowledge and skills.  

Note: When applying for RPL

  • Consider the effects on your apprentice's or trainee's wages. For example, if 12 months credit is granted, they will begin on second year/stage 2 wages. 
  • Complete a Request to Adjust Credit form (vt2)
  • Forward your completed form to Training Services. Your Australian Apprenticeship Centre can help if needed. 

Competency-based completion

You can request competency-based completion if your apprentice or trainee has: 

  • completed their formal training through their Registered Training Organisation  
  • demonstrated all the required competencies to meet industry standards, as confirmed by you.

Both you and your apprentice or trainee must agree to an early completion.  

How to apply for competency-based completion  

Complete a Request for Competency-Based Completion and submit your request to your nearest Training Services office. Your Australian Apprenticeships Centre agent can help you prepare and lodge the request.  

Also see our policies and procedures page on competency-based completion

Certificates for completing

Training Services issues Certificates to people who: 

  • complete an apprenticeship or traineeship  
  • successfully apply for trade skills recognition. 

Certificate of Proficiency

Your apprentice or trainee can receive a Certificate of Proficiency if they have:  

Employers often want their employees to have a Certificate of Proficiency to:  

  • meet licensing standards  
  • obtain an ISO quality endorsement  
  • meet industry contract or tender requirements  
  • have a well-qualified workforce. 

Related documents:

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