Will apprenticeships now start at 17?
No. It is possible under the 'special circumstances' provisions of the legislation for a young person who has completed Year 9 to be granted an exemption from enrolment for the purpose of undertaking a full time apprenticeship or traineeship. Parents should apply to their school for further information.
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are available to Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students as part of their HSC pattern of study.
In the post-school environment, apprenticeships and traineeships involve both employment and training and as such, a contract between a young person and an employer is open to anyone of working age.