International Students: Australian Apprenticeship Opportunities And Eligibility

International students in Australia are not eligible to study apprenticeships and are not registered for student visas. However, international students who want to learn a trade in Australia can study a one or two-year course in their trade at an education provider and receive the same qualification as an Australian who undertakes a four-year apprenticeship. These courses include carpentry, automotive mechanics, electrical instrumentation, engineering fabrication, and many more.

International students can't obtain a work visa for a traditional apprenticeship in Australia

International students are not able to obtain a work visa for a traditional apprenticeship in Australia. This is because apprenticeships require a specific type of visa that is not available to non-Australians. However, international students can still learn a trade in Australia and receive the same qualification as Australians who complete a traditional apprenticeship.

There are a few options available for international students interested in pursuing a trade in Australia. One option is to enrol in a 1- or 2-year trade course at an educational institution. These courses are offered in various fields, including carpentry, automotive mechanics, electrical, and plumbing. International students who complete these courses will receive the same certification as Australians who complete a 4-year apprenticeship.

Another option for international students is to undertake a 2-year trade course, which may make them eligible for a graduate work visa afterwards. This visa will allow them to gain work experience and potentially pursue skilled migration. It is important for international students to consult with a migration agent or lawyer to understand their specific options.

While there are alternatives for international students, experts have called for the ban on foreigners doing trade apprenticeships to be lifted. They argue that allowing international students to undertake trade apprenticeships could help ease skill shortages in the construction industry and support national goals, such as building more homes.

International students can study a 1-2 year trade course and receive the same qualification as Australians who do a 4-year apprenticeship

International students in Australia cannot undertake a traditional 4-year apprenticeship due to work visa restrictions. However, they can still learn a trade by enrolling in 1-2 year trade courses and receive the same qualification as Australians who complete a 4-year apprenticeship. This option is available to international students interested in pursuing a trade qualification in Australia.

Trade courses in Australia for international students typically involve a mix of theory and practical training. While the specific details may vary, these courses generally include classroom instruction, workshops, and vocational placements with Australian employers. The length of such courses can range from 1 to 2 years, and they are designed to provide a comprehensive education in a chosen trade.

International students can choose from a wide range of trade courses in Australia, including carpentry, automotive mechanics, automotive electrical, joinery, boat building, culinary arts, electrical instrumentation, cabinet making, engineering fabrication, air conditioning and refrigeration, bricklaying, plastering, and heavy diesel commercial mechanics, among others. These courses offer a fast-tracked path to obtaining a trade qualification, as compared to the standard 4-year apprenticeship model available to domestic students.

By completing a 1-2 year trade course, international students can obtain a recognised certification in their chosen field, such as Certificate III in Carpentry, which holds the same value as the qualification obtained through a 4-year apprenticeship. This certification enhances employability and can be a pathway to securing a work visa or even permanent residency in Australia. The average price per year for such trade courses ranges from $7,000 to $14,000.

International students can undertake paid work with restrictions of 40 hours per fortnight during class terms

International students in Australia on a student visa can undertake paid work, but their work hours are restricted. As of 1 July 2023, international students are allowed to work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time, and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. Previously, international students could only work up to 40 hours per fortnight during class terms, and unlimited hours during school holidays. These work hour limits also apply to internship subjects undertaken as electives, but not to mandatory internship subjects.

International students in Australia are also required to comply with workplace rights regarding pay, working conditions, and health and safety. They can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help with workplace issues, such as not receiving the correct pay or other entitlements like leave or notice, without fear of their visa being cancelled.

While foreigners cannot undertake a traditional 4-year apprenticeship in Australia due to visa restrictions, international students can still learn a trade by enrolling in 1 or 2-year courses in their chosen trade. These courses provide the same qualification as a 4-year apprenticeship, but with more classroom time and limited vocational placements.

It's important to note that the rules and restrictions for international students undertaking paid work or apprenticeships may change, so it's always best to refer to official government sources or consult with registered migration agents for the most up-to-date information.

International students can enrol in many trade courses in Australia, including carpentry, automotive, electrical, and engineering

International students can enrol in a variety of trade courses in Australia, including carpentry, automotive, electrical, and engineering. These courses offer practical, hands-on training and are highly sought-after by international students due to their quality and potential for employment and permanent residency pathways.

While foreigners cannot undertake a traditional four-year apprenticeship in Australia due to visa restrictions, international students can still obtain the same qualifications by enrolling in one or two-year trade courses. These courses provide a blend of classroom learning and practical experience, often including vocational placements with Australian employers, to equip students with industry-relevant skills.

Carpentry courses, for example, train individuals in construction and woodworking skills such as framing, roofing, and installing fixtures. Similarly, plumbing courses are also available to international students, offering valuable qualifications recognised both locally and globally. Electrical courses may require a foundation in electronics, while automotive electrical courses provide specialised knowledge for handling electrical systems in vehicles.

International students interested in the automotive field can also pursue automotive mechanical or automotive technology courses, which are highly popular due to their direct links to employment opportunities. Additionally, engineering fabrication and trade courses are available, providing a pathway to careers in this field.

Overall, international students have a range of trade course options in Australia, allowing them to gain practical skills and industry-recognised qualifications that can lead to successful careers and permanent residency pathways in the country.

International students may be eligible for the graduate work visa after a 2-year trade course in Australia

Foreigners cannot undertake a traditional apprenticeship in Australia as they cannot obtain a work visa to do so. However, international students can study a 1 or 2-year trade course and receive the same qualification as an Australian who undertakes a 4-year apprenticeship. International students can enrol in a variety of trade courses in Australia, including carpentry, automotive mechanics, electrical instrumentation, engineering, and many more. The main difference is that international students attend classes the majority of the time and have limited vocational placements with Australian employers.

International students on a student visa are typically expected to leave the country upon completion of their course and before their visa expires. However, international students who have completed a 2-year trade course in Australia may be eligible for a graduate work visa. The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa is the most common option, allowing graduates to work in Australia for 18 months to 3 years, depending on their circumstances. This visa is available to students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia and do not require employer sponsorship.

To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa, international students must already hold a valid visa, such as a student visa, and they must have health insurance. Additionally, there are specific visa options for students in regional areas, such as the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, which can extend their stay in Australia beyond their initial visa.

It is important to note that the visa requirements and options may vary, and international students should seek advice from registered migration agents or official government websites to ensure they have the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding their specific circumstances.

Frequently asked questions