If you are starting out in the workforce there is a huge range of vocational education and training (VET) options that will help you into the career of choice!

Anyone over 15 years of age can access VET.

You can undertake a VET course to help you secure a great job or become an apprentice or trainee and combine work and study.

Apprenticeships and traineeships give you practical, transferable skills, workforce experience and the foundation of a solid career. These are paid positions, so you earn as you learn.

Apprenticeship - a learning pathway that combines paid on the job training and formal study with a registered training organisation where you can gain a trade qualification in 3 to 4 years.

Traineeship - a training agreement over a 1 to 2 year period that combines practical on-the-job work experience with training.

As an apprentice or trainee, you’ll combine time at work with training. You can begin an apprenticeship or traineeship while you’re still at school, or you may choose to take on an apprenticeship or traineeship as a mature age student.

You’ll enter into a training contract with your employer and receive a combination of formal and on-the-job training to learn your trade or occupation. Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship or traineeship you’ll get a nationally recognised qualification.

Apprenticeships and traineeships are available in a wide range of industries. You probably know about apprenticeships in the building and construction or food industries, but did you know you can do an apprenticeship or traineeship in the fields of cyber security, engineering, aviation, pharmacy or information technology?

For further information about apprenticeships and traineeships, go to the Northern Territory Government website.

You can undertake a VET course directly with a registered provider.

Around half of all school leavers undertake vocational training within a year or 2 after leaving school. Over half of all students undertaking VET are over the age of 25 years and the vast majority of VET students study part-time.

To see what's available in the type of job that you would like to train for, on jobs with good prospects and weekly earnings, and for information on occupations and careers, go to the Australian Government's Explore Your Career website.

• If you are a secondary student in years 9 to 12, you can complete a school-based VET course. Gain practical skills, earn a qualification and expand your job options. Find out about the VET in schools program, go to the NT Government website.
• Your Career - search industries and occupations to find a career that’s right for you and what you can do to get there.
• myfuture - resources to explore career pathways and tools to develop self-knowledge to help with career decision-making.
• Australian Apprenticeship Pathways - educational and career guidance for young people providing information on study options and career paths.
• Jobs Board | Apprenticeships Northern Territory - apprenticeship and traineeship job vacancies available in the Northern Territory, candidates apply directly to the vacancy.