Explore our Trades and Apprenticeships courses

Swinburne has been offering TAFE qualifications for more than a century, which is why we’re one of the most trusted providers of traineeships, apprenticeships, and trades in Melbourne. 

  • Pre-apprenticeships (three to six months): Get your foot in the door, try something new and gain some basic industry skills before you start an apprenticeship.
  • Apprenticeships (three to four years): Combine paid employment with formal training in fields such as electrotechnology.
  • Traineeships (one to two years): Enhance your skills with formal training while you’re working in paid non-trade employment. You can train on campus or at work.
  • Trades short courses: These courses will help you prepare for licensed trade exams, or learn new skills.

Why study a Trade or Apprenticeship with us?

Our students are regularly recognised with prestigious industry awards#

Did you know you could study some courses for low-fee or free in 2023?

You could have some or all your tuition fees covered in 2023 thanks to government initiative Free TAFE for Priority Courses.

Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available if you are under 20 years old, or enrolling in a course at a higher level than you have completed before.

If you don't tick either of these boxes, you could still have a chance! There are other factors too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply.

Apprenticeships at Swinburne

Apprenticeships trades facilities at Swinburne

Take a tour of the specialist trades facilities at our Croydon campus, including carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing and electrotechnology training spaces.

  • After 40 years’ experience in the electrical industry and previous training roles in the workplace, a passion for teaching led Neil to return to what he sees as helping others prosper and progress, taking complex studies and putting them into simple terms to create interest and recall.

     “Seeing students’ expressions when they grasp concepts, going on to then achieve certification and prosper with significant career success, has been rewarding.”

    Neil (Teacher) , Enabling students to succeed in Electrotechology industry

Did you know apprentice or trainee employers could be eligible for a wage subsidy?

To assist with Australia’s economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19, the Australian Government is providing a Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy to support employers who engage a new apprentice or trainee.

Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the commencing or recommencing apprentice or trainee’s gross wage paid for a 12-month period from the date of commencement, to a maximum of $7000 per quarter.

Learn more

Featured Trades and Apprenticeships courses

From studying beauty therapy to a career in plumbing

From beauty therapy to plumbing

After completing her Certificate III in Plumbing, Aimee is encouraging other women to take the plunge and work in a trade.

The former beauty therapy student (and Survivor contestant!) discovered her passion during a day working on the tools with her dad.

“Having a trade under your belt opens so many doors...and the industry is booming,” she says.

#This includes the Apprentice of The Year award