Earn an income while learning a trade!

 
An apprenticeship is a three-way contract between a student, an employer and SuniTAFE in which the student undertakes an approved course of instruction with both on-the-job and off-the-job components.

Gain accredited training while you work.  Apprenticeships focus on trades and take anywhere between 2 and 4 years to complete. 
 
SuniTAFE offers apprenticeships in industry areas including:
  • Electrical
  • Building
  • Plumbing
  • Commercial Cookery
  • Horticulture
  • Automotive and Engineering

Jump to course list >

You can begin an apprenticeship while you’re still at school or once you’ve finished.  You will combine full-time work with either part-time, workplace based or ‘block release’ study, depending on your employer’s needs.  On completion, students can continue employment, further study or start their own business.
 
SuniTAFE staff have years of experience and have all come from industry, some trained by SuniTAFE when they were doing their apprenticeships. 
                                          
Many trade courses are on the Free TAFE for Priority Courses list which is a great opportunity to get started with your trade career. 

Apprenticeship v Traineeship

An apprenticeship provides training in a skilled trade, while a traineeship provides training in a vocational area (particular job or occupation).
 

Apprenticeship Support Officer 

Apprenticeships Victoria has a dedicated Apprenticeship Support Officer located on site at the SuniTAFE Mildura campus and aims to assist young apprentices navigate any obstacles during the first year of their apprenticeship and beyond. The Apprenticeship Support Officer (ASO) Program is funded by the Victorian State Government and aims to assist young apprentices (aged 15–25) to complete the first year of their apprenticeship.
 

Careers advice and support

SuniTAFE’s Skills and Job Centres located at our Mildura and Swan Hill Campuses provide independent advice on study and employment options to apprentices and trainees.
 
We understand there can be uncertainty in deciding what career you want, so our staff are here to help you decide and support you as you move ahead.  Careers Advisors at our Skills and Jobs Centres can guide you through your career options and provide you with the information you need.
 
Services include:
  • Study options
  • Personal career planning and advice (including assistance with a resume or cover letter)
  • Recognition of prior learning
  • Jobs in demand and employment trends
  • Job seeker advice
  • Access to other support services.
 

How to apply

Apprenticeships can commence at any time. Find a business to employ you, then an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) manage all contracts and training.  Click here to find your nearest AASN.
 
Further information for apprentices, trainees and employers is available via the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority website
 
Check out our dedicated trade workshops and learning spaces. Read more
Take the first step with a pre-apprenticeship course. Read more
Gain accredited training while you work with a Traineeship.  Read more
Not sure where to start? The Skills and Jobs centre can help. Read more

SuniTAFE News

Double Celebrations for SuniTAFE Student

SuniTAFE student Mei (Khanh Ngan) Ho’s photography skills have been recognised again with her photo winning the Victorian Heart of TAFE photography competition for the second year in a row.  Read more

From Classroom to Career: SuniTAFE Open Day Highlights Skills Training

SuniTAFE’s Mildura campus opened its doors to the public last week to showcase the courses on offer for 2025. Read more

Student Profile | Emily Behrendt – Victorian Training Award Finalist

When Emily Behrendt was first told that she was going to be nominated for a Victorian Training Award she could not have anticipated how rewarding it would feel to have her hard work recognised.   Read more

VETDSS Engineering Students Get a Taste of the Workplace at Interlink Sprayers

SuniTAFE engineering students were treated to a day of industry visits to local businesses last month, including Interlink Sprayers.   Read more

Load more articles

Apprenticeship Courses

}