Pre-apprenticeships

A pre-apprenticeship is a great opportunity experience what it’s like to work in a trade before you make a commitment to continuing in that employment field or gaining an apprenticeship. Many pre-apprenticeships offer reduced fees under the Fee Free or Low Fee TAFE(opens in a new tab) program.

A pre-apprenticeship can:

• help you choose the right apprenticeship pathway for you
• support future apprenticeship applications
• provide practical, hands-on experience and learning in a workshop environment
• provide foundational knowledge, skills and confidence
• give industry exposure to employers through work experience
• help you gain confidence using tools and equipment
• Prepare you to transition to an apprenticeship. 

Pre-apprenticeships are available at these South Regional TAFE campuses:

• Albany
• Bunbury
• Esperance
• Katanning
• Margaret River - coming soon
   

Pre-apprenticeship options include:

Certificate II in Automotive Electrical Technology (Automotive Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship)

Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology (Heavy Vehicle)

Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology (Light Vehicle Servicing Pre-apprenticeship)

Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (Electrotechnology Pre-apprenticeship)

Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway - Trades)

Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway - Trades) (Brick and Block Laying Pre-apprenticeship)

Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway - Trades) (Carpentry Pre-apprenticeship)

Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway - Trades) (Painting and Decorating Pre-apprenticeship)

Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway - Trades) (Wall and Ceiling Lining Pre-apprenticeship)

Certificate II in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Cabinet Making and Timber Technology Pre-apprenticeship)

Certificate II in Plumbing (Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship)

For pre-apprenticeships available to VETDSS students

Some pre-apprenticeships are available to students who are currently enrolled in secondary schooling. To learn more about this options visit:  

VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) | South Regional TAFE

Applications for pre-apprenticeship courses open with our main course intakes for Semester 1 and 2 each year.
Please view our key dates information.  

Courses may have different entry requirements, and some of the more popular courses can be competitive. Entry and eligibility requirements are available on each course page.

Applications for the VETDSS program is made in Schools. Applications open in July each year for the following year - see VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) | South Regional TAFE for more information.

Contact Course Information Services for more information:

• South West (campuses at Bunbury, Busselton, Collie, Harvey, Manjimup, Margaret River) on Freecall 1800 621 445 or 6371 3070, email enquiry@srtafe.wa.edu.au
• Great Southern (campuses at Albany, Denmark, Mt Barker, Katanning, Esperance and Narrogin) on Freecall 1800 621 445 or 6371 3870, email enquiry@srtafe.wa.edu.au

Our pre-apprenticeship courses usually take up to six months to complete (duration may vary). You will complete your training at one of our purpose-built campuses while also undertaking work experience with an approved employer. 

Work placements include 4 weeks or 150 hours of on-the-job experience and can be flexible to support both you and your employer’s needs.

Training includes:

• Hands-on learning in a supervised industry-standard facilities
• Industry relevant theory
• Support from highly qualified lecturers
• Work placement and experience
• The opportunity to build your skills, knowledge and confidence.

During your placement, qualified staff will support you as you learn what day-to-day work in your chosen trade is like.

Do I need experience?
No - you do not need any prior experience to start a pre‑apprenticeship. The programs are designed for beginners and provide the essential skills, safety knowledge, and trade exposure you need to take your first step into the industry. Whether you are coming straight from school, changing careers, or exploring trades for the first time, a pre‑apprenticeship gives you the foundation to begin with confidence.

Will this guarantee me an apprenticeship?
While this will not guarantee an apprenticeship placement it can strengthen your application. Apprenticeships are competitive and a pre‑apprenticeship demonstrates that you are motivated, prepared, and ready to step into the industry.

Is there an age limit?
No, anyone can complete a pre-apprenticeship.  

Can I switch pathways?
Yes - you can switch pathways if you decide that another trade is a better fit for you. Pre‑apprenticeships are designed to help explore and open doors to the industry, build skills, gain knowledge and confidence and understand what different trades involve. If you realise during your pre-apprenticeship that another pathway suits you better, talk with your lecturer or campus’ course information advisors.