CIB - 767 Creative Arts and Culture - traineeships

Date of effect
30 July 2021

Updated
12 December 2025

Qualification

CUA30525 Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts

Term of traineeship

Full-time: 

• 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary period

3 months

Date of effect
30 July 2021

Updated
12 December 2025

Qualifications

CUA30625 Certificate III in Arts and Cultural Administration

CUA40825 Certificate IV in Arts and Cultural Administration

Terms of traineeships

Full-time:

CUA30625 Certificate III in Arts and Cultural Administration

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

CUA40825 Certificate IV in Arts and Cultural Administration

• 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 30 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds the CUA30625 Certificate III in Arts and Cultural Administration or CUA30620 Certificate III in Arts and Cultural Administration

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary periods

Where the nominal term is:

• up to and including 24 months - 2 months
• greater than 24 months - 3 months

Date of effect
29 February 2016

Updated
30 July 2021

Qualification

CUA30720 Certificate III in Design Fundamentals

Term of traineeship

Full-time: 

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

2 months

Date of effect
30 July 2021

Updated
12 December 2025

Qualifications

CUA30425 Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services

CUA40425 Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services

Terms of traineeships

Full-time:

CUA30425 Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 18 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds the CUA20225 Certificate II in Creative Industries or CUA20220 Certificate II in Creative Industries

CUA40425 Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services

• 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 30 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds the CUA30425 Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services or CUA30420 Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

CUA30425 Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services

The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary periods

Where the nominal term is:

• up to and including 24 months -2 months
• greater than 24 months - 3 months

Date of effect
30 July 2021

Qualifications

CUA20620 Certificate II in Music

CUA30920 Certificate III in Music

Terms of traineeships

Full-time:

CUA20620 Certificate II in Music

• 12 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

CUA30920 Certificate III in Music

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

CUA30920 Certificate III in Music (advanced entry) where the trainee holds CUA20620 Certificate II in Music

• 18 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

CUA20620 Certificate II in Music

The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary period

2 months

Date of effect
30 July 2021

Qualification

CUA41120 Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging

Term of traineeship

Full-time: 

• 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary period

3 months

Date of effect
29 February 2016

Updated
12 December 2025

Qualifications

CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

CUA41225 Certificate IV in Screen and Media

CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media

Terms of traineeships

Full-time:

CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

CUA41225 Certificate IV in Screen and Media

• 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 30 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen Media

CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media

• 36 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved
• 30 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved where the trainee holds CUA41225 Certificate IV in Screen and Media or CUA41220 Certificate IV in Screen and Media

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

School based

CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.

Probationary periods

Where the nominal term is:

• up to and including 24 months - 2 months
• greater than 24 months - 3 months

Date of effect
29 February 2016

Updated
12 December 2025

Qualification

CUA31125 Certificate III in Visual Arts

Terms of traineeship

Full-time: 

• 24 months or until the relevant competencies are achieved

Part-time:

See part-time apprenticeships and traineeships

Probationary period

2 months

Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts - trainees will learn to use a range of skills and techniques to produce arts and craft works, in preparation for working in a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts contexts. It also prepares people for higher-level learning that supports professional art practice. At the core level, trainees will learn to:

• participate in occupational health and safety processes
• develop drawing skills to communicate ideas
• develop an understanding of their own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
• develop and apply knowledge of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural arts
• produce creative work
• apply knowledge of history and theory to their own arts practice.

With elective units, trainees may gain further skills in creative thinking, dance, design, visual communication, copyright and intellectual property, information technology, financial administration and business acumen.

Certificate III in Arts and Cultural Administration - trainees may work in administrative roles across a varied range of arts organisations, in roles such as administration officer, project officer or community arts assistant. The qualification applies in contexts including galleries, museums, theatres, community arts centres and arts organisations. At the core level, trainees will learn to:

• work effectively with others and in diverse situations
• contribute to health and safety of self and others
• develop and apply creative arts industry knowledge.

With elective units, they may gain further skills in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts, community involvement, customer service and marketing, financial administration, information technology, events management, museums and libraries and professional industry practices. Upon graduation, trainees may undertake higher level qualifications in arts administration, broader administration in business services or qualifications in related areas such as event management.

Certificate IV in Arts and Cultural Administration - trainees may work in the arts administration area and gain a broad knowledge base, apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems in varied contexts, and take responsibility for their own outputs. They may also take limited responsibility for the output of others. Trainees will be able to work in galleries, museums, theatres, community arts centres and arts organisations. They may be employed as administration coordinators, events officers, project coordinators, marketing and promotions officers.

The Certificate II in Creative Industries - trainees will acquire live theatre industry knowledge, develop skills in a specialised production or service discipline and follow work health and safety and security procedures. Trainees may gain employment in the live theatre industry as a production assistant, support person or administrative assistant or to continue further live theatre education and training at Certificate III level. Trainees may be employed as front of house assistant in small venue; lighting/audio/staging assistant; production assistant at the community level for a live act, a theatre company or recording studio; or an administrative assistant in the entertainment industry.

Note: Certificate II in Creative Industries qualification some or all aspects of the licensing and regulatory arrangements may apply. Check the licensing and regulatory arrangements and the full qualification details.

Certificate III in Design Fundamentals - trainees will be gain a pathway to a career in design. Employment at this level will mainly be working in junior roles in graphic design and digital media sectors. At the core level, they will learn to:

• follow a design process
• explore the use of colour
• explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
• explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms
• source and apply design industry knowledge
• produce drawings to communicate ideas

With elective units, trainees may also gain skills in design including fashion and graphic design, copyright and intellectual property, digital media, photo imaging, printing pre-press, information technology, industry practices and writing.

The Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services - trainees will learn to apply a broad range of competencies in providing services for the entertainment industry. Trainees may provide assistance with technical support to a team. 

The Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services - trainees will work in a range of technical production jobs in the entertainment industry. They may apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. Trainees may provide leadership and guidance to others and have limited responsibility for the output of others. 

Note: Certificate III and IV in Live Production and Technical Services qualifications some or all aspects of licensing and regulatory arrangements may apply. Check the licensing and regulatory arrangements and the full qualification details.

The Certificate II in Music - trainees will learn to perform a range of mainly routine tasks in the Music and work under direct supervision. Trainees may learn how to:

• Repair and maintain audio equipment
• Assist with sound recordings
• Perform basic sound editing
• Play or sing simple musical pieces
• Incorporate music technology into performance
• Develop ensemble skills for playing or singing music
• Play music from simple written notation.

The Certificate III in Music - trainees will learn to apply a broad range of competencies in a varied work context in the Music, using some discretion and judgement and theoretical knowledge. They may provide support to a team. As core competencies, trainees will learn to:

• contribute to health and safety of self and others
• implement copyright arrangements
• work effectively in the Music industry
• apply knowledge of style and genre to Music practice

Performance

• Compose simple songs or musical pieces
• Write song lyrics
• Develop simple musical pieces using electronic media
• Make a music demo

Sound Production

• Develop basic audio skills and knowledge
• Perform basic sound editing
• Mix sound in a broadcasting environment
• Undertake live audio operations
• Compile and replay audio material

Business

• Organise schedules
• Maintain business resources
• Process customer complaints
• Deliver and monitor a service to customers
• Maintain financial records

General

• Develop and extend critical and creative thinking skills
• Source and apply information on the history and theory of design
• Create electronic presentations
• Design and produce text documents

Note: Certificate II and III in Music qualifications some or all aspects of the licensing and regulatory arrangements may apply. Check the licensing and regulatory arrangements and the full qualification details.

Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging - trainees will learn to apply broad range of technical skills in photo imaging, including lighting, image capture, enhancements and manipulation and output. Practice at this level is predominately digital. It is underpinned by the application of integrated technical, theoretical and historical knowledge of photo imaging and the ability to develop concepts and solutions in response to a brief. Trainees may work in a range of industry contexts, including retail, commercial, domestic portrait, media, wedding, illustrative, institutional and art photography.

Certificate III in Screen and Media - trainees will learn to be skilled operators in digital video, radio and online content creation, or a skilled assistant in the film and television production services who applies a broad range of competencies in a varied work context, using some discretion and judgement and relevant theoretical knowledge. 

Certificate IV in Screen and Media - trainees will obtain basic skills and a broad knowledge base in a wide variety of contexts in the screen, media and entertainment industries. They will apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. Trainees may provide leadership and guidance to others with some limited responsibility for the output of others. 

Diploma of Screen and Media - trainees will acquire sound theoretical knowledge base and use a range of specialised, technical or managerial competencies to plan, carry out and evaluate the work of self and/or team in the film, television, radio and interactive media industries. 

Note: Certificate III, IV and Diploma in Screen and Media qualifications some or all aspects of the licensing and regulatory arrangements may apply. Check the licensing and regulatory arrangements and the full qualification details.

Certificate III in Visual Arts - trainees will develop a range of visual art skills and will take responsibility for own outputs in work and learning. Trainees will be able to apply their art theory and history knowledge in the workplace. At the core level, trainees will become competent to:

• contribute to health and safety of self and others
• develop drawing skills to communicate ideas
• produce creative work
• apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice.

The elective units may skill trainees in creative thinking, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural art, visual communication, intellectual property and copyright and financial and business aspects of the visual arts industry.

The CUA Creative Arts and Culture Training Package includes the following qualifications that support traineeship pathways:

• CUA20620 Certificate II in Music
• CUA30425 Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services
• CUA30525 Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts
• CUA30625 Certificate III in Arts and Cultural Administration
• CUA30720 Certificate III in Design Fundamentals
• CUA30920 Certificate III in Music
• CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media
• CUA31125 Certificate III in Visual Arts
• CUA40425 Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services
• CUA40825 Certificate IV in Arts and Cultural Administration
• CUA41120 Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
• CUA41225 Certificate IV in Screen and Media
• CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media

On successful completion of the relevant qualification:

• parties may apply to the Commissioner for Vocational Training for completion of the apprenticeship or traineeship prior to the nominal completion date of the training contract or;
• Training Services may issue letters from the Commissioner to both parties inviting them to consider competency based completion if it has received advice from the training organisation that the apprentice or trainee is eligible to receive their qualification.

Download a Request for Competency Based Completion form.

Applications under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to establish a traineeship whether full-time, part-time or school based will not be approved unless the Commissioner for Vocational Training is satisfied that appropriate industrial arrangements are in place. Trainees may be employed under the following awards:

• Amusement Events and Recreation Award 2020
• Broadcasting, Recorded Entertainment and Cinemas Award 2020
• Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020
• Live Performance Award 2020
• Local Government Industry Award 2020

All private sector employers and employees in New South Wales are covered by the national industrial relations system administered by the Fair Work Commission (the Commission). The industrial instrument that applies is a national (modern) award or a current enterprise agreement registered with the Commission. Further information is available from the Fair Work Ombudsman by telephoning 13 13 94 or via their website.

• CUA20620 Certificate II in Music
• CUA30425 Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services
• CUA30720 Certificate III in Design Fundamentals
• CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

For all school based part-time traineeships currently being delivered in New South Wales, refer to School Based Traineeships. For further information on the delivery of training for school based traineeships refer to Training Arrangements.

Some or all aspects of the following licensing and regulatory arrangements may apply. Check the licensing and regulatory arrangements in the full qualifications details.

Electrical work 
In some States and Territories of Australia a restricted electrical licence is required. Restricted electrical licences allow a person to carry out electrical work incidental to a trade. Incidental work may include fault-finding on equipment or changing like for like equipment by disconnecting and reconnecting the fixed wiring. It does not include any other changes to the fixed wiring.

Electromagnetic emission hazards 
Radio frequency workers must complete an electromagnetic emissions (EMF) awareness course. Individuals who are required to attend sites with substantial EME hazards (such as broadcast transmission sites) must understand the risks of EME and the necessary precautions to mitigate the risks.

National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work 
Sets and staging for some performances or events may fall within the definition of construction work. If so, people entering the construction site are required to complete the general induction training program specified by the

National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work (Australian Safety Compensation Council, May 2007). 
Achievement of the unit 'CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry' from the CPC08 Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package fulfils this requirement.

National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work 
The National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work applies to persons performing dogging and rigging work. Completion of the following units is required for certification at either basic, intermediate or advanced levels:

• CPCCLDG3001 Licence to perform dogging
• CPCCLRG3001 Licence to perform rigging basic level
• CPCCLRG3002 Licence to perform rigging intermediate level
• CPCCLRG4001 Licence to perform rigging advanced level.

Restricted Cabling Registration The unit of competency ICTCBL235 Install maintain and modify customer premises communications cabling: ACMA Restricted Rule is necessary to meet the current ACMA (Australian Communication Media Authority) restricted cabling registration requirements. Pyrotechnics In some States and Territories of Australia a licence is required to allow a person to plan and operate a fireworks display.

For registered training providers that can deliver the traineeship qualifications go to training.gov.au. A list of training organisations in contract with the NSW Department of Education to be paid for the delivery of the training is here. When developing Training Plans, registered training providers should ensure that the training program satisfies the qualification packaging requirements and, at the same time, reflects the nature of the business. Training Plans should be customised so that workplace activities support and align with the selected units of competency.

On 1 January 2015 the NSW Government introduced new fee arrangements for government subsidised vocational education and training (VET). Under Smart and Skilled, all apprenticeship and most traineeship qualifications are subsidised. For a full list of all the qualifications refer to the current NSW Skills List. Information on the types and levels of subsidies can be found in the Smart and Skilled Fee Administration Policy. Training for existing-worker trainees is not subsidised.

Training Services and Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) Transition arrangements are aligned. Registered training organisations (RTOs) may commence training in either the new or superseded qualification but must meet the requirements of ASQA. For more information refer to ASQA's General Direction - Learner Transition.

A copy of each Vocational Training Order is available for inspection on this website or at any Training Services centre of the NSW Department of Education.