The trades aren’t just an alternative to University. We think a trade qualification is equal to a University Degree and you also don’t come away with a massive debt. Think about it if you have a Ph.D. and you’re at home on a Saturday night in December and your aircon fails for example, the smartest person around is somebody who can fix that air conditioner. Trades are definitely amongst the most noble and useful career choices you can make. Plus there will most likely be a job out there for you if you have those skills in your toolbelt … so to speak. And, if you are looking into apprenticeships Brisbane or the Gold Coast you have come to the right place.
An apprenticeship or traineeship is a great way to combine training with practical hands-on experience so you can pursue your career goals in the trade industry.
If you, or someone you know are thinking of starting an apprenticeship in Queensland but aren’t too sure where to begin, here’s some inspiration on the various types of work apprenticeships undertake to give you some motivation and an idea of what you would be getting into.
Get in touch if you want to find out how to become an apprentice, or what might be suitable for you – 13 30 24.
Automotive Apprentice
Automotive Mechanic (Light Vehicle)
Primarily services and repairs mechanical parts of motor vehicles such as the engine, transmission (clutch, gearbox and differential), and also the suspension systems (springs, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres).
Automotive Vehicle Body Serviceperson (Vehicle Glazing)
Vehicle Glaziers repair and replace windscreens, and side and rear glass in motor vehicles. Working in a workshop or in a mobile service unit.
Panel Beater
Repairs damage to metal, plastic and fibreglass bodywork on vehicles, and makes and forms vehicle panels using machines or hand tools.
Spray Painting Apprentice
Automotive Vehicle Body Tradesperson (Vehicle Painting)
Involved in tasks like, removing rough spots on vehicle panels, sanding surfaces using hand or power tools, carrying out masking procedures,
colour matching and mixing paints, applying primer and finishing coats, and polishing and waxing the finished paint work.
Building and Construction Apprenticeships
Carpentry Apprentice
Constructing wall frames, ceiling frames, pitched roofs, eaves, external stairs, flooring systems, and install windows and doors.
Bricklaying Apprentice
Laying bricks and blocks, constructing masonry walls, stairs, corners, curved walls, structural masonry systems, piers and columns.
Cabinet Making Apprentice
Some of the areas you would train in include using furniture sector hand and power tools, assemble furniture components, select and apply hardware, join solid timber, hand make timber joints, setup, operate and maintain basic static machines, install furnishing products, produce manual and computer aided production drawings, and prepare cutting lists from plans and job specifications amongst other things.
Plumbing Apprentice
This apprentice duties can include: lay out, test and maintain pipes, fixtures, metal roofing, fittings, gas meters, regulators, units and appliances. Install equipment such as boilers, pumps, heating and cooling systems, natural gas appliances, water tanks, water heaters and solar water heating systems.
Painting Apprentice
The apprentice will apply paint by brush and roller, apply texture coat paint finishes, apply clear stains, match specified paint colours, apply decorative finishes, apply wallpaper and treat lead paint hazards.
Plastering Apprentice (Solid)
Apply set coats and render, texture coats to straight and curved surfaces, install precast and decorative mouldings and restore and renovate solid plasterwork.
Plastering (Wall and Ceiling Lining – previously called Fibrous Plastering)
The apprentice will assemble partitions, install and finish plasterboard and fibre cement sheeting to walls and ceilings.
Roof Tiling Apprentice
The apprentice will tile regular and irregular roofs, repair and renovate tile roofs.
Tiling Apprentice (Wall & Floor)
This apprentice will fix and lay wall tiles, carry out mosaic and decorative tiling and tile curved surfaces.
Electrical Trades
Electrician Apprenticeship
Select, install, set up, test, fault find, repair and maintain electrical systems and equipment in buildings and premises. It includes ERAC requirements for an “Electrician’s licence”.
Hospitality
Commercial Cookery
This qualification provides the skills and knowledge for an individual to be competent as a qualified chef. Work would be undertaken in various hospitality enterprises where food is prepared and served, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, pubs, cafes, cafeterias and coffee shops. Individuals may have some responsibility for others and provide technical advice and support to a team.
Hospitality Operations Level 3
This qualification provides the skills and knowledge for an individual to be competent in skilled operations with the need to apply discretion and judgement. Work would be undertaken in various hospitality settings, such as restaurants, hotels, motels, clubs, pubs, cafes and coffee shops. Individuals may have some responsibility for others and provide technical advice and support to a team.
Mechanical & Engineering
Diesel Fitting Apprenticeship
Apprentices would generally be involved in the repair, servicing and maintenance of heavy earthmoving and agricultural machinery. The work may also involve the repair, servicing and maintenance of large marine engines, heavy lift vehicles and stationary plant equipment (ie: lift motors, generating sets etc). It would also be expected that the apprentice would perform these duties on engines, cooling systems, automatic transmissions, brakes, clutches, gear boxes, fuel pumps, axle assemblies and electrical equipment related to these items.
Boilermaker Apprenticeship
Will generally work with heavy gauge steel: cutting, shaping, assembling and welding. Typically, they work for heavy engineering companies involved in the production, fabrication and development of items manufactured from plate materials, generally in steel of varying thickness but can be involved with non-ferrous materials. They may also be employed in the construction industry putting together steel components for major structures – buildings, bridges etc. Another application of the skill could involve the manufacture of cooling towers, pressure vessels, hoppers, mining equipment, excavation buckets, large trailer bodies, smoke stacks, transformer containers, storage bins and large pipe work.
Fitter and Turner Apprenticeship
Apprentices would generally be involved in the setting up of machinery to enable the manufacture of engineering products; repair and replacement of components, parts or other items; installation of plant and machinery; design and manufacture of modifications to existing components parts and other items; maintenance of plant and equipment; and construction and commissioning work.
Want to learn more?
Without trades Universities would not be built. Buildings to house machines, hospitals, and any other structure would not be built without them. It’s a career choice, not just a job. If you would like to find out the requirements and more information about a specific type of Apprentice learn more here.
Or give our team a call on 13 30 24 to discuss how you can get started with an apprenticeship Brisbane or on the Gold Coast or today!