Can I Do an Apprenticeship Part-Time? | Blue Dog Training

Yes, part-time apprenticeships are available in Queensland. A part-time apprenticeship works the same way as a full-time one: you have a training contract with an employer, you learn on the job, and you complete your qualification through a registered training organisation. The difference is your employment is part-time, which extends the duration of the apprenticeship accordingly.

Part-time apprenticeships are particularly popular with adults who are changing careers, people with family commitments, and those who are transitioning from related work into a formal trade qualification.

How does a part-time apprenticeship work?

Under a part-time arrangement, you work fewer hours per week than a full-time apprentice. Because you are accumulating your on-the-job experience more slowly, the total duration of the apprenticeship is extended to ensure you have adequate time to develop and demonstrate all the required competencies.

Your training contract will specify whether the arrangement is full-time or part-time. The qualification you receive at the end is exactly the same regardless of whether you completed the apprenticeship full-time or part-time.

What about mature-aged and school-based apprentices?

Blue Dog Training's training is suitable for school-based apprentices, part-time apprentices, full-time apprentices, and mature-aged apprentices. This is something we are proud of. There is no single profile for who an apprentice should be. We have seen apprentices start at 16 and apprentices start at 45, and with the right employer and the right RTO, both can succeed.

School-based apprenticeships are a structured form of part-time arrangement where the student is enrolled in both their school curriculum and their apprenticeship simultaneously. For more on this, see our post: What is a school-based apprenticeship?

Does Blue Dog Training support part-time apprentices?

Yes. Our on-site delivery model is well suited to part-time arrangements because the training is built around your work, not around a fixed classroom schedule. Your Blue Dog trainer visits your worksite and works with you on the skills you are developing at the time. There are no block training periods you need to schedule around.

Are there any downsides to a part-time apprenticeship?

The main practical consideration is duration. A part-time apprenticeship takes longer to complete than a full-time one, which means your progression to qualified tradesperson pay rates and full trade qualifications takes longer. However, for many people the flexibility is well worth that trade-off.

If you are considering a part-time apprenticeship for financial reasons, it is also worth checking what government incentives and support payments are available for apprentices in Queensland. Your Australian Apprenticeships Centre can advise.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Can I switch from part-time to full-time during my apprenticeship?

A: Yes. Changes to your employment arrangement can generally be made by agreement between you and your employer. Any change to the contract should be formalised through your Australian Apprenticeships Centre.

Q: Is the qualification the same for part-time and full-time apprentices?

A: Yes. The qualification, the unit codes, and the assessment standards are identical. Whether you completed your apprenticeship full-time or part-time makes no difference to the qualification itself.

Q: Can I do a part-time carpentry or engineering apprenticeship with Blue Dog Training?

A: Yes. Blue Dog Training supports part-time apprentices across our carpentry and engineering programs. Contact us to discuss how we can structure the training around your arrangement.

Q: Do part-time apprentices get paid?

A: Yes. Part-time apprentices are paid employees. Your wage is calculated based on the applicable award and your year of apprenticeship, applied to the hours you work.

Find out more about apprenticeships with Blue Dog Training. bluedogtraining.com.au/en-au/construction-apprenticeships