Know the requirements to be an apprentice or trainee
General requirements
Minimum age
The minimum age depends on the type of industry and type of apprenticeship or traineeship, but generally it is:
- 13 years old for most jobs and industries
- 15 years old (Year 10–12) for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships
- 16 years old (Year 11–12) for school-based apprenticeships in electrotechnology.
Some jobs have specific age limits that are higher than the minimum. Contact Apprenticeships Info to find out the minimum age for your chosen apprenticeship or traineeship.
Restricted callings
If you are under 18, to work in some jobs or 'restricted callings', you must be employed as an apprentice or trainee, or have completed an apprenticeship or traineeship (e.g. automotive mechanics or electricians). Contact Apprenticeships Info to find out more about restricted callings.
Queensland workplace
Most Queensland apprentices and trainees live and work in Queensland, but it is also possible to:
- live outside Queensland (e.g. northern NSW) and work for a Queensland-based employer
- live in Queensland and work interstate temporarily.
Your everyday workplace and employer must be based in Queensland.
Learn more about interstate apprentices and trainees.
Citizenship and work visas
You can be an apprentice or trainee in Queensland if you are:
- an Australian citizen
- a New Zealand citizen
- a foreigner with a valid passport and visa that allows you to work.
Contact the Department of Home Affairs if you are unsure about your work eligibility.
Regular work
Apprentices and trainees must be offered regular work to be eligible.
We don't approve apprenticeships and traineeships that can only offer irregular, casual or intermittent work because apprentices and trainees need regular work and training to meet their training needs.
Adequate training arrangements
Your employer must provide you with appropriate facilities, range of work, supervision and training to successfully obtain the competencies in your training plan.
Your training organisation will check your employer can provide these arrangements when developing and reviewing the training plan.
Working hours
All apprentices and trainees must be paid for work and be offered:
- at least 7.5 hours per week if school-based
- at least 15 hours per week if part-time
- about 38 hours per week if full-time.
Read more about working hours.
Specific requirements
Read about the extra requirements for:
Next step
Choose the right apprenticeship or traineeship