Finishing your apprenticeship and becoming a qualified tradesperson is the payoff for years of early starts and learning on the job. But the path there has a few moving parts — a training contract, on-the-job hours, TAFE competencies and, in some trades, a final licence or assessment. Knowing how they fit together helps you keep things on track and avoid nasty surprises near the finish line.
This guide walks through the whole journey, from signing your training contract to holding your trade qualification and, in licensed trades, your own licence.
The training contract is the foundation
Everything starts with your training contract. This is a legal agreement between you, your employer and, sometimes, a group training organisation, registered with your state or territory training authority through Australian Apprenticeships. It sets out your trade, the qualification you're working towards, the length of your apprenticeship and each side's responsibilities.
If you're not clear on how it works, read apprenticeship contracts and probation explained. If you were placed through a GTO, how group training organisations work explains that arrangement, where the GTO employs you and places you with host businesses.
On-the-job training and TAFE work together
Your qualification comes from two sides that run side by side:
- On-the-job training — the hours and skills you build at work, signed off by your employer.
- Off-the-job training — the theory and structured skills you complete through TAFE or another registered training organisation (RTO).
Both count toward the same nationally recognised qualification. Neither one on its own gets you there. The TAFE vs on-the-job training: how it fits together guide explains how the two halves connect and why you can't skip either.
Keep on top of your TAFE assignments and block-release weeks. Falling behind at TAFE is one of the most common reasons an apprenticeship stalls.
Competency-based, not just time-based
Apprenticeships used to be strictly about serving your time. These days most are competency-based, which means you finish when you've proven you can do the job — not just when the calendar says four years are up. If you're skilled and your paperwork is in order, you may be able to finish early. If you're behind, it can take longer.
That makes your training record important. Keep your logbook or competency records current, get sign-offs promptly, and don't let assessments pile up. Your employer, your RTO and your Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider all play a part in tracking your progress.
Your pay grows as you progress
As you move through your apprenticeship, your wage steps up — usually tied to the year of your apprenticeship and, in competency-based trades, to the skills you've signed off. When and how those increases happen is covered in apprentice wage increases: when and how they happen.
Your pay is set by the relevant modern award for your trade, enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman (fairwork.gov.au). Use the Wage Calculator to check what you should be on at each stage, and read the apprentice pay guide if anything looks off. If you think you're underpaid, see what to do if you're being underpaid.
Finishing up and getting qualified
When your on-the-job and TAFE requirements are both complete and signed off, your training authority issues your qualification and your apprenticeship is formally completed. Your employer usually can't keep paying you apprentice rates once you're qualified — you move onto the tradesperson rate in your award, which is a solid jump. Check the award wages guide so you know what to expect.
Make sure you actually receive your certificate and completion paperwork. You'll need it for licences, future employers and any further study.
Licensed trades need an extra step
Some trades — plumbing and electrical are the big ones — require a licence to work, on top of your qualification. Completing your apprenticeship makes you eligible, but you may need to apply to your state regulator, pass an assessment, or work a period as a licensed worker before you can supervise or run your own jobs.
The complete trade guides spell out the licensing path for each trade — for example electrical apprenticeships: the complete guide and plumbing apprenticeships: the complete guide. If you're aiming to run jobs or subcontract, read getting your contractor licence too.
What comes after qualifying
Getting your ticket is a milestone, not the finish line. Once qualified you can:
- Command a full tradesperson wage.
- Take on more responsibility — see becoming a leading hand: your first step up.
- Add extra skills and tickets — see upskilling: courses worth doing after you qualify.
- Eventually go out on your own — see starting your own business after your trade.
When you're ready for the next role as a qualified tradie, browse apprenticeship jobs and keep your profile up to date so employers can find you.
Key takeaways
- Your training contract, registered with your state authority, is the foundation.
- On-the-job hours and TAFE/RTO training both count toward the one qualification.
- Most apprenticeships are competency-based, so keep your records and sign-offs current.
- Your pay steps up as you progress and jumps again when you qualify.
- Licensed trades like plumbing and electrical need an extra licence from your regulator.
- Qualifying opens doors to more pay, more responsibility and running your own show.