Real jobs. Real qualifications. Real career outcomes.

Nationally recognised subsidised traineeships that help
employers develop skilled teams while employees
earn a qualification through paid work. 

Traineeships: A practical way to build skills through paid work

Traineeships are a structured way to build job-ready skills through paid work and formal training, and are used to support new staff onboarding and create entry pathways into stable roles across business, healthcare, government, and leadership. Funding eligibility is often linked to when employment commenced and the relevant state program rules.

At UNE Partnerships, training is designed to fit around the workplace. The focus is on practical learning, clear expectations, and ongoing support so all parties can stay aligned throughout the traineeship.

What is a traineeship?

A traineeship combines employment with training that is aligned to a real role. It includes a formal training contract and leads to a nationally recognised qualification, while the trainee remains employed and earning an income.

A traineeship typically combines:

  • Paid employment
  • A formal training contract
  • Structured learning aligned to a real job
  • A nationally recognised qualification

Why traineeships matter

Traineeships create benefits for everyone involved because learning is directly connected to workplace tasks. For employers, this can mean more consistent performance and clearer development pathways. For trainees, it provides confidence, experience and a recognised qualification. For AASNs, a well-run traineeship supports strong employer experiences and smoother coordination across the system.

For employers, the value isn’t only the final qualification. Traineeships can help new staff become capable in the role while they train:

  • People can become productive faster
  • Skills are developed to match workplace needs
  • Engagement and retention can improve
  • Managers can spend less time correcting avoidable issues

For employees, traineeships provide income, experience, and a recognised qualification.

Courses and funding

Courses under a traineeship are supported by government funding programs, making them an accessible and cost-effective option for employers and individuals. 

Course availability and traineeship funding can vary by state. The links below provide the most up-to-date information on available qualifications, eligibility, and subsidies.

Why UNE Partnerships

With more than 40 years’ experience supporting learners and workplaces, UNE Partnerships delivers traineeships with a strong focus on quality, consistency and completion. The approach is designed to work in real workplaces, with clear processes and practical support that helps employers, trainees and AASNs stay aligned from onboarding through to final outcomes.

What to expect with UNE Partnerships: 

  • University-backed credibility: Proudly part of the University of New England family. 
  • Designed for the workplace: Our programs are built to integrate into real jobs,  flexible, practical and immediately applied. 
  • Proven experience at scale: We’ve supported thousands of learners and organisations over more than 40 years. 
  • Practical, responsive support: Support is available at key stages of the traineeship to help employers and trainees stay on track.

Is a traineeship right for you? 

At UNE Partnerships, we believe the best results don’t come from training alone; they come from working together. We bring employers and trainees into a shared journey: aligning goals, supporting progress, and delivering outcomes that matter in the real world. When everyone is moving in the same direction, capability grows faster, confidence builds quicker and results last longer.

Employers Trainees (new employees) UNEP (Registered Training Organisation)
You need capability, not just headcount. You want a career, not just a job. You need a training partner you can rely on.
We help you A traineeship allows you to We provide
• Build role-ready employees
• Reduce hiring risk and cost
• Access government-subsidised training
• Create clear development pathways		 • Earn while you learn
• Gain real work experience
• Achieve a recognised qualification
• Build long-term career opportunities		 • High-quality, compliant training delivery
• Strong completion and learner satisfaction
• Clear, responsive communication
• Seamless onboarding and support

Who does what in a traineeship 

A successful traineeship works because everyone plays a clear role. When each part of the system is aligned, outcomes are stronger, smoother, and faster. 

Employers Trainees / Employees Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) UNE Partnerships
They provide the real-world environment where skills are built. They are at the centre of the traineeship, building skills through work and study. They manage the formal arrangements and funding aspects of the traineeship. They deliver the training and support the entire journey.
Responsibility Responsibility Responsibility Responsibility
• Employ the trainee in a relevant role
• Provide day-to-day supervision and guidance
• Allow time for structured training and study
• Support the trainee’s development and progress
• Create opportunities to apply new skills in the workplace		 • Actively participate in training and assessments
• Apply new skills in the workplace
• Communicate progress and ask for support when needed
• Commit to completing the qualification
• Contribute positively to the team and organisation		 • Facilitate the training contract
• Confirm eligibility for government funding
• Provide advice on incentives and obligations
• Handle compliance and reporting requirements
• Support all parties throughout the traineeship		 • Deliver nationally recognised qualifications
• Design training aligned to real workplace tasks
• Provide structured learning, assessments and resources
• Monitor progress and support completion
• Guide employers and trainees every step of the way

When each role is clear and supported, a traineeship becomes more than a program, it becomes a partnership that delivers real capability, real confidence, and real results. 

FAQs

A traineeship is a structured program that combines paid employment with nationally recognised training. The trainee gains skills on the job while completing a qualification that is aligned to their role, supported by a formal training contract and a training plan. Traineeships are often used for new staff members as part of onboarding and development. Eligibility for government funding commonly depends on factors such as when employment started (for example, being within an eligible commencement window) and the state-based program rules.

The cost of training is often government-subsidised for eligible trainees under state funding programs (in NSW and QLD). In some cases, there may be a student contribution fee, and many employers choose to cover this cost as part of their workforce development investment. Funding and costs depend on factors such as the qualification, the trainee’s eligibility, and the state-based program rules.

 

Most traineeships take around 12–24 months, depending on the qualification, the workplace role, and whether the trainee is working full-time or part-time. Progress can also be influenced by how quickly workplace tasks and required assessments can be completed.

Both are “earn while you learn” pathways that combine employment with training, but they usually differ in focus and duration.

  • Traineeships are usually non-trade and are common in sectors such as healthcare, business, government, leadership and management. They can often be completed in twelve to twenty-four months, depending on the qualification and employment arrangements.
  • Apprenticeships are typically trade-based (for example plumbing, electrical, carpentry) and often take three to four years, with training closely linked to a licensed trade outcome.

Interested in a traineeship?

Submit an enquiry with us today and one of our friendly Course Advisors will provide you with further information.






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