Queensland Traineeships
Earn while you Learn
Trainees get paid while gaining valuable skills and qualifications, combining work experience with formal training.
Government-Funded Training
Through the Queensland Government Career Start program, school based trainees do bot pay any fees towards the course cost.
Hands-On Industry Experience
Trainees develop real-world skills by working in a professional environment, increasing their employability.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Completing a traineeship can open doors to higher-level qualifications, promotions, and long-term career growth.
Nationally Recognised Qualification
Trainees earn a formal qualification that is recognised across Australia, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
What is a Queensland Traineeship under the Career Start program?
A Queensland traineeship under the Career Start program is an ideal way to begin or advance your career while gaining a nationally recognised qualification. It combines paid employment with formal, structured training, allowing you to earn while you learn. As a trainee, you are employed under a formal training contract that outlines the responsibilities of you, your employer, and your Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Together, these parties create a detailed training plan that specifies the qualification, units of study, and timeframes for completion. This ensures that the skills you learn on the job are supported by professional, accredited training that builds both your practical experience and formal knowledge.
Traineeships are designed to balance work and study, giving you the opportunity to develop real-world skills in a genuine workplace while completing your studies. Most traineeships take between one and two years to complete, depending on your industry, qualification level, and previous experience. Some trainees finish sooner through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or credit transfers for previously completed units. Employers also benefit from traineeships by building a skilled workforce trained to meet their specific needs, often supported by government incentives and subsidies.
Throughout your traineeship, both your employer and training provider work closely with you to ensure your progress and provide ongoing support. Additional assistance is available for trainees who may need help with literacy, numeracy, or other learning needs. The Career Start program helps make this pathway more accessible by subsidising training costs, supporting both students and employers to create strong career outcomes. By the time you complete your traineeship, you will have gained valuable hands-on experience, nationally recognised skills, and a strong foundation for future employment or further study.
ACM20121 Certificate II Animal Care - Traineeship (Qld)
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care is the ideal entry point for anyone wanting to begin a rewarding career with animals. Delivered online with practical training and work placement, this course builds essential animal care and workplace skills while preparing you for roles in shelters, clinics, grooming, and more—or as a pathway to higher study.
Traineeship Details
- Duration: 1 Year (12 months)
- Delivery Mode: Blended (Online and Work Placement)
- Start Date: Enroll at any time
- Fees: This course is funded by the Queensland Government under the Career Start program, with a small student co-contribution fee of $1.60 per nominal hour.
- Recognition: Nationally Recognised Qualification
Traineeship Overview
If you have a genuine love for animals and want to turn that passion into a rewarding career, the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Traineeship) is the perfect way to begin your journey in the animal care and pet services industry. This nationally recognised qualification allows you to earn while you learn, combining paid on-the-job training with online study and real workplace experience in a professional animal care environment.
As a trainee, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience working directly with animals while developing the essential knowledge and skills required to thrive in this growing industry. You’ll learn how to safely handle and care for a variety of species, assist with feeding, bathing, grooming, and exercising animals, and support daily routines such as cleaning enclosures, monitoring health and behaviour, and applying basic first aid and infection control procedures.
You’ll also build a strong foundation of workplace and professional skills — including effective communication, teamwork, customer service, problem-solving, and time management — while learning about workplace health and safety requirements and environmentally sustainable practices that are vital in any animal care setting.
This traineeship gives you the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications while being employed and supported by experienced industry professionals. You’ll graduate with real-world experience, practical skills, and the confidence to take the next step in your animal care career.
Upon completion, you’ll be ready for entry-level roles such as animal attendant, grooming assistant, kennel or cattery attendant, or pet shop assistant. You’ll also have the opportunity to continue your studies with the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming specialisation), Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, or Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Traineeship Eligibility
- be aged 15 years or over
- be no longer at school
- permanently reside in Queensland
- Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, New Zealand citizen or temporary residents with an eligible visa subclass.
- You must not have already completed two traineeship qualifications within the last 10 years
Qualification Units
ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry
ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
ACMGEN203 Feed and water animals
ACMGEN204 Assist in health care of animals
ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
ACMWHS201 Participate in workplace health and safety processes
BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills
ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility
ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
ACM30122 Certificate III Animal Care Services - Traineeship (Qld)
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is the perfect step for anyone ready to advance their career working with animals. Delivered online with hands-on practical training, this nationally recognised course develops your professional skills in animal care, health, and welfare, preparing you for roles in veterinary clinics, grooming salons, shelters, and boarding facilities — or as a pathway to further study in specialised areas such as animal behaviour, training, or veterinary nursing.
Traineeship Details
- Duration: 2 Year (24 months)
- Delivery Mode: Blended (Online and Work Placement)
- Start Date: Enroll at any time
- Fees: This course is funded by the Queensland Government under the Career Start program, with a small student co-contribution fee of $1.60 per nominal hour.
- Recognition: Nationally Recognised Qualification
Traineeship Overview
The ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Traineeship) offers individuals in Queensland an exciting opportunity to begin a rewarding career working with animals while earning an income and gaining a nationally recognised qualification. Funded by the Queensland Government under the Career Start program, this traineeship allows eligible participants to combine paid employment with structured training, developing practical skills and real workplace experience in the animal care industry.
As a trainee, you will earn while you learn, gaining valuable hands-on experience in an approved animal care workplace such as a veterinary clinic, grooming salon, boarding kennel, cattery, animal shelter, or pet retail store. You’ll work alongside industry professionals while completing your online study component through the National Skills Training Institute, allowing you to apply your knowledge directly in real-world situations.
Throughout your traineeship, you will develop essential skills in animal handling, feeding and hydration, bathing and grooming, cleaning and maintaining enclosures, health monitoring, and providing basic first aid. You’ll also learn how to follow ethical and humane care practices, implement hygiene routines, and maintain safe work environments in accordance with workplace health and safety standards.
In addition to your practical animal care training, you’ll also build strong professional and employability skills such as communication, teamwork, customer service, problem-solving, and environmental sustainability. These transferable skills are highly valued across the animal care and management sector and will help you succeed in any future role.
By the end of the traineeship, you’ll be confident, experienced, and job-ready to work in a range of animal care environments or continue your education through higher qualifications. Graduates may go on to study the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training, or Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming Specialisation) — opening pathways to even more specialised and rewarding careers in the animal care industry.
Traineeship Eligibility
- be aged 15 years or over
- be no longer at school
- permanently reside in Queensland
- Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, New Zealand citizen or temporary residents with an eligible visa subclass.
- You must not have already completed two traineeship qualifications within the last 10 years
Qualification Units
ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
ACMGEN303 Assess welfare status of an animal
ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing for self and others in animal care workplaces
ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility
ACMBEH302 Provide enrichment for animals
ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
BSBCMM211 Apply Communication Skills
ACMGEN314 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
ACMSPE317 Provide general care of domestic cats
ACMGEN205 Source And Provide Information for animal care needs
BSBOPS304 Deliver and Monitor a Service to Customers
ACM30122 Certificate III Animal Care Services (PET GROOMING) -Traineeship (Qld)
The ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services – Pet Grooming qualification is designed for those who want to turn their passion for animals into a professional career in dog grooming. Throughout this nationally recognised course, you’ll develop the practical skills and knowledge required to groom a wide range of breeds and coat types to industry standards. You’ll learn advanced techniques in bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, scissoring, de-matting, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and styling, while also gaining a strong understanding of animal anatomy, coat care, skin health, and safe handling practices.
Traineeship Details
- Duration: 2 Year (24 months)
- Delivery Mode: Blended (Online and Work Placement)
- Start Date: Enroll at any time
- Fees: This course is funded by the Queensland Government under the Career Start program, with a small student co-contribution fee of $1.60 per nominal hour.
- Recognition: Nationally Recognised Qualification
Traineeship Overview
The ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services – Pet Grooming (Traineeship) offers Queensland participants an incredible opportunity to begin a professional career in the pet grooming industry while earning an income and achieving a nationally recognised qualification. Funded by the Queensland Government under the Career Start program, this traineeship allows eligible individuals to combine paid employment with structured training, developing advanced grooming techniques and gaining real-world experience in professional salon environments.
As a trainee, you’ll earn while you learn, working alongside qualified groomers and animal care professionals in an approved workplace while completing your online study through the National Skills Training Institute (RTO 41462). In addition to your workplace learning, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to attend the Pet Stylist Academy, where you’ll train directly under Australia’s Master Groomers. This hands-on experience at the Academy allows you to refine your techniques, learn advanced styling skills, and gain valuable insights from some of the best in the industry.
Throughout your traineeship, you’ll develop the full range of grooming skills — including bathing, drying, brushing, de-matting, clipping, scissoring, breed-specific styling, nail trimming, and ear cleaning — while also learning about coat care, skin health, animal handling, hygiene, and workplace health and safety. You’ll be trained to groom dogs of all breeds and coat types to professional salon standards, building both technical precision and creative flair.
Beyond technical grooming, you’ll strengthen your communication, customer service, and teamwork skills, learning how to build trust with clients and create a safe, positive environment for every animal in your care. These skills will prepare you for a successful and rewarding career across a range of settings — from professional grooming salons and mobile services to opening your own grooming business.
By the end of your traineeship, you’ll graduate as a qualified, confident, and industry-ready pet groomer, equipped with the expertise and experience to excel in the grooming industry or to progress into further study such as the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Traineeship Eligibility
- be aged 15 years or over
- be no longer at school
- permanently reside in Queensland
- Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, New Zealand citizen or temporary residents with an eligible visa subclass.
- You must not have already completed two traineeship qualifications within the last 10 years
Qualification Units
ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
ACMGEN315 Communicate effectively with clients and team members
ACMGEN303 Assess welfare status of an animal
ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing for self and others in animal care workplaces
ACMGEN309 Provide basic animal first aid
ACMINF301 Comply with infection control policies and procedures in animal care work
ACMWHS301 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes
ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs
ACMGRM201 Bath, dry and brush domestic dogs
ACMGRM303 Perform sanitary and hygiene grooms for companion animals
ACMGRM304 Provide grooms on cross breed dogs
ACMGRM305 Groom dogs to meet breed style and coat requirements
ACMGRM403 Enhance companion animal coat and skin condition
ACMGEN310 Provide reception services for an animal care facility
ACMBEH302 Provide enrichment for animals
ACMGEN311 Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing
BSBCMM211 Apply Communication Skills
How is the Training Delivered?
The Certificate III in Animal Care Services – Pet Grooming Traineeship is delivered through a combination of online learning, workplace experience, and hands-on Academy training. You’ll complete your theory-based units online through the National Skills Training Institute’s learning portal, giving you the flexibility to study around your work schedule.
Your practical grooming skills will be developed both in your workplace under professional supervision and during block training at the Pet Stylist Academy, where you’ll learn directly under the guidance of Australia’s Master Groomers. These Academy training blocks provide intensive, hands-on experience in advanced grooming techniques, ensuring you gain industry-level skills and confidence. This blended approach makes your training engaging, practical, and deeply aligned with real-world grooming standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a traineeship work ?
A traineeship is a fantastic way to combine paid employment with formal, nationally recognised training. It allows you to earn an income while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the animal care industry. As a trainee, you’ll work under the supervision of experienced professionals in a real workplace while completing your theory studies online. This means you’ll graduate with both a qualification and real-world experience, giving you a strong advantage when pursuing your career.
Do I get paid as a trainee ?
Yes! One of the best parts of a traineeship is that you are a paid employee while you study. You’ll earn an income based on the National Training Wage or the relevant industry award. This means you can gain a qualification, build your career, and get real work experience — all while earning money.
What support will I receive during my traineeship?
You’ll be fully supported throughout your traineeship by both your trainer and your employer. Your trainer will provide regular check-ins, feedback, and workplace visits to help guide your learning and assess your progress. You’ll also have access to online study support, student services, and additional resources if you ever need assistance. The goal is to ensure you feel confident, capable, and supported every step of the way.
Are these courses funded?
Yes. The traineeships are funded by the Queensland Government under the Career Start program, which helps eligible students access high-quality training with minimal upfront costs. Students are required to pay a small co-contribution fee of $1.60 per nominal hour, which is the government-regulated contribution toward their training. This makes traineeships one of the most affordable and accessible ways to start a professional career working with animals.