Advanced apprenticeships
Future of Work Program - What is an Advanced Apprenticeship?
For the purpose of the Future of Work Program, an advanced apprentice is a person who is employed with a registered employer, and is enrolled in a higher education course.
Similar to the traditional apprenticeship model, advanced apprentices are paid by an employer to undertake structured on-the-job training as part of their course requirements. However, unlike a traditional apprenticeship, advanced apprentices will graduate with a university qualification.
Advanced apprenticeships will help build a skilled and resilient workforce to support regional employers’ future productivity and economic prospects. Eligible candidates will gain a unique opportunity to study for a higher education qualification, while gaining hands-on commercial experience. Advanced apprenticeships will enable:
Faster delivery of relevant, practical skills for industry; and
On-the-job learning that is contextualised to meet the needs of an employer.
The first cohort of advanced apprentices commenced in 2023, and a second cohort commenced in March 2024.
I’m an advanced apprentice - what does this mean for me?
Advanced apprentices will gain a unique opportunity to study for a degree, while being paid to gain hands-on industry experience. At the end of the advanced apprenticeship, you will be set up to either continue with their employment and pursue a career in their chosen area, or pursue further higher education.
Those who undertake an advanced apprenticeship will have a differentiated experience to their peers. They will have the opportunity to be more job ready, and will be able to demonstrate greater understanding of their industry and occupational requirements in their chosen career.
Advanced apprenticeships will help you to:
Earn an income while you study (in a way that is practical and meaningful) and for work that contributes to your study
Set yourself up for job readiness and future proof your work life while you live where you love
Undertake flexible entry and exit pathways to suit your individual needs
I’m a business - what does this mean for me?
Building a successful and resilient workforce for the future will play an integral role in regional and remote businesses' future productivity and economic prospects.
The Future of Work Program will support the local workforce, and as a result, local businesses, through funding for advanced apprenticeships across key disciplines.
Advanced apprenticeships will help you to:
Strengthen your talent pipeline with access to workers
Upskill existing employees and support their career progression
Support the local workforce, community growth and regional economic growth
Diploma of Business in the Digital Age
Following a series of co-design workshops with regional and industry stakeholders, Central Queensland University designed a one-year Diploma of Business in the Digital Age to be delivered as an advanced apprenticeship. The first cohort commenced in the Mackay and Bowen Basin regions in Queensland in July 2023.
The course is targeted at a range of industries to support growth and respond to local skill needs. To support flexible entry, students who do not meet course entry criteria can undertake units from Skills for Tertiary Preparatory Studies (STEPS) in the term prior to commencing the Diploma of Business in the Digital Age.
During the advanced apprenticeship, advanced apprentices learn key business and IT skills and foundational knowledge for their role in industry and to support their career progression.
A second cohort for students in Mackay and the Bowen Basin in Queensland, the Pilbara and the Goldfields in Western Australia, and the Upper Hunter Region in New South Wales commenced in March 2024.
If you would like to participate as an employer or advanced apprentice in a future cohort, you can express your interest below or email applications@regionalfutureofwork.com.
To find out more about this advanced apprenticeship offering, click on the materials below.
