MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY INTO AN APPRENTICESHIP/ TRAINEESHIP

The minimum age for entry into apprenticeships and traineeships in Queensland, in general, is 13 years.  Additional age restrictions apply where provided in any legislation which is enforceable in Queensland.  Information on age limits applicable to particular apprenticeships and traineeships is available by:

• referring to the Queensland Training Information Service (QTIS) database which can be accessed at www.qtis.trainandemploy.qld.gov.au
• referring to the appropriate industrial relations instrument applicable to the trade calling or traineeship occupation
• contacting an Australian Apprenticeships Centre (telephone 1300 639 629)
• contacting by telephone the local office of Training Queensland on 1300 369 935

Where the apprentice or trainee is under 18 years of age at the date of signing the training contract, details of the parent or guardian, and their signature, are required.  A person who has not yet attained the required minimum age may still apply to enter an apprenticeship or traineeship.  These applicants will, however, be required to supply written evidence of dispensation from attending school granted to them by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts.  They will also need to satisfy other eligibility criteria.  Further information on these requirements can be found in fact sheets available on the Department of Education, Training & the Arts website.  The ultimate responsibility for compliance with minimum age restrictions that exist in legislation rests with employers.
 
Full-time and part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Applicants who are of compulsory school age who propose leaving school to take up a full-time or part-time apprenticeship or traineeship are required to provide evidence of dispensation from school attendance from the Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts.  Students of compulsory school age who propose undertaking part-time apprenticeships or traineeships will not be required to show evidence of dispensation provided they are still attending school.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships

Applicants for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships who are of compulsory school age will require written evidence of dispensation from full-time school attendance.  If enrolled in the Middle Phase of Learning (years 8 and 9 only), they may be considered if supported by a business case detailing the particular circumstances and approved by the Training and Employment Recognition Council (through the department's local regional office) prior to entering into the training contract.  Students enrolled in the Early Phase of Learning (prep through to year 3), or the first portion of the Middle Phase of Learning (year 4 through to year 7), are not eligible to participate in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

Please telephone your local departmental office (Training Queensland) on 1300 369 935, or contact your Australian Apprenticeships Centre, if you have any other enquiries regarding minimum age requirements for entry into an apprenticeship or traineeship.  You may also contact "Apprenticeships Info" on 1800 210 210.