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Does travel tickle your fancy? If so, you should consider going abroad for your apprenticeship. Not only will you learn your trade, but live in a culture different from your own and have the experience of a life time. Every culture does things a little different, even those that speak the same language. So, if you feel like your foreign language skills are not up to par, study your trade in the United States or England.

If you are interested in working in the United States, you have a few options, depending on your age and the training you wish to pursue. If you are in years 10- 12, you could participate in a High School exchange program with a school that offers trade education. If you have finished year 12, then you can pursue a trade through speciality trade schools or through a community college.

High School Trade Programs

Most High Schools in the United States offer Tech Prep Education in one of two ways. The first, in more metropolitan areas, is a special school for students who want to go into a trade

At these Vocational Technical Schools, students learn their specific trade through approved courses while also taking classes like English, Maths and Science with other trade students at the same school. In smaller school districts, multiple schools share one Vocational Technical School where students study for one half of their day.

The other half of the day, the students attend Tech- Prep classes at their High School in their respective district. Both programs are similar to the concept that Australia follows with its apprenticeships for youth and similarly allows you to complete your degree program.

Post- Secondary School Programs

In the United States, trade programs are offered at speciality trade institutes or through community colleges. Each state has different certificate requirements in order to practice your trade.

More often, career options such as automotive, engineering, and culinary arts are offered at a community college, where as cosmetology, plumbing apprenticeships, and electrical apprenticeships are offered at institutions that specialise in the subject. Both have similar application processes as TAFE in Australia.

You normally need a basic license/ certificate to perform trade tasks and to do more complex tasks, you have to either stay in a program longer or go back to school to earn higher level licenses. In order to fulfil the requirements of an apprenticeship through a private group or company, you must take exams to show your proficiency.

Will Australia Recognise my Apprenticeship Work?

In order to work in apprenticeships Australia, as a trades person you have to go through the process of Trade Recognition. Trade Recognition assesses your skills and experience and a panel within your industry decides whether or not they can award an Australian equivalent certificate. You can apply for recognition for any trade that your state considers a trade.

On the NSW trade website, you can find a brochure that explains the process in detail. You can be rewarded with a Certificate of Proficiency or a Craft Certificate based upon your level of advancement. It is important to note that the following careers require a license, specifically issued by NSW: Aircraft Trades, Building and Construction trades, refrigeration/ air conditioning trade, electrical trades, motor vehicle trades, and plumbing, gas fitting and draining trades. These require a separate qualification application to earn equivalency.

If you enjoy travel and want to take up a trade, overseas training may be for you. Opportunities are endless; be sure to know the necessary processes for the country you choice to study in. Also, be sure that before you leave to have all of your paperwork figured out, know a program you will be enrolled in, and put your best foot forward. Your experience abroad will be rewarding and most of all, FUN.

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