A pre-apprenticeship involves doing entry-level training for a particular trade. It can be a great pathway to an apprenticeship and offer all sorts of benefits.
In this article, Chisholm’s trade managers provide insight into some of the key reasons why pre-apprenticeships can be so invaluable.
What is a pre-apprenticeship?
Think of a pre-apprenticeship as an introductory course into a trade.
You’ll learn fundamental skills and at the end of it you’ll have a better understanding as to whether that career choice is right for you.
Pre-apprenticeships usually take anywhere from eight to 22 weeks (depending on whether you’re studying part time or full time) and give you a Certificate II level qualification upon completion.
Benefits of a pre-apprenticeship
1) Try a trade before committing to an apprenticeship
Doing a pre-apprenticeship allows you to test out an industry, without committing to a full apprenticeship that’s likely to take several years.
“It gives you an understanding of which specific trade you might be interested in,” says Chisholm Building and Construction Manager Adam Laxton.
“It’s a great introduction to industry,” added Chisholm Manager Engineering Matthew Baker. Our Certificate II in Engineering Studies, for example, covers both fabrication and mechanical streams, so it gives the students an opportunity to experience both sides. They can then pick which way they’d like to go and follow on with an apprenticeship.”
2) Gain credit for your apprenticeship
In some instances, you may be able to get credit transfers for your pre-apprenticeship when you go on to your apprenticeship.
What this means is that you may be able to complete your apprenticeship faster and go in with a bit of a head start.
3) Make it easier to secure an apprenticeship
Doing a pre-apprenticeship can make you more attractive to potential employers and a stand-out candidate during interviews.
“It certainly helps with job opportunities down the track,” Chisholm Manager Automotive and Supply Chain David Adams says. “Employers look fondly on pre-apprenticeships when looking for prospective apprentices moving forward.”
“Having a Certificate II shows your commitment to employers that you’re willing to take this on as a career and a profession,” adds Matthew.
“Employers love it because they know that that person has spent time learning all the foundation skills that they now don’t need to teach them,” says Chisholm Manager Plumbing and Safety Services Stephen Hammond. “You’re more job-ready and employers can start making money out of you faster.”
4) Feel more confident with basic trade skills
A pre-apprenticeship gives you a solid foundation and basic skills relevant to your chosen trade.
“The Certificate II in Building and Construction (Carpentry), for example, will give you the skills to be confident about going on to a construction site,” says Adam.
“The benefits of an electrical pre-apprenticeship are that it gives you the basic hands-on skills and underpinning knowledge to support you being job ready from day one of your apprenticeship,” says Chisholm Manager Electrical and International Projects Craig Hill. “It also shows that you are committed to succeed in the trade, which is a trait prospective employers are looking for.”
“Employers look favourably on someone who has done a plumbing pre-apprenticeship, as they have basic trade skills and understand the tools and terminology,” adds Stephen. “You get an understanding of what to expect on the job.”
Pre-apprenticeships offered at Chisholm
Pre-apprenticeships are available for a variety of trades through Chisholm. These include:
- Electrotechnology (Career Start) *
- Engineering Studies *
- Plumbing *
- Building and Construction (Carpentry or Bricklaying) *
- Automotive Servicing Technology *
- Salon Assistant *
* Most Chisholm pre-apprenticeships are available as Free TAFE courses.
What if I don’t do an apprenticeship?
Even if you don’t decide to do a pre-apprenticeship, there are still plenty of opportunities to get employed in an apprenticeship, according to Adam.
“However, I would definitely say it’s worth having a go at a pre-apprenticeship, just to get that knowledge and understanding of whether the trade is suited for you,” he says.
Kickstart your trade career with Chisholm
Did you know, a lot of pre-apprenticeship courses are available part of the Free TAFE? A pre-apprenticeship is a great way to try a trade and see whether you like it. To find out more, get in touch with us and we’ll help you explore your options.
