About Australian Apprenticeships
What’s an AA?
‘Australian Apprenticeships’ (AA) is the Government’s collective name for all apprenticeships and traineeships. For employers, Apprenticeships are the perfect vehicle for training and developing new and existing staff. For employees they offer the opportunity to develop skills and gain a recognised qualification while earning an income.
Australian Apprenticeships:
- combine time at work with training and can be full-time, part-time* or school-based.
- are open to new or existing employees from 15 years of age
- are offered in a range of industries
- are offered at all certificate levels up to Advanced Diploma
- allow you to choose your own apprentice or trainee.
Training is delivered on or off-the-job, or a combination of both.
School-based apprentices can complete their apprenticeship while studying for the HSC.
* Some apprenticeships may only be full time.
How can an apprentice benefit my business?
Build skills
Apprenticeships can make your organisation more effective, competent, productive and competitive by directly addressing your skills gaps.
Apprenticeships allow you to invest in the future of your business. By taking on an apprentice you can acquire the specialist skills needed to keep you abreast of new techniques and technologies.
Lift morale
Many employers also find that training through Apprenticeships has a positive impact on general staff morale, retention and productivity.
Apprentices don’t view their Apprenticeship as just a job but as a stepping stone to a successful career — they are enthusiastic and committed.
By offering apprenticeships or traineeships you will find it easier to recruit and retain the right people for your organisation.
Choose training
Apprenticeships are designed business people who genuinely understand your industry sector.
You and your employee/s can choose the level and type of qualifications that suit your business needs.
Where do I find an apprentice or trainee?
Australian Apprenticeships Centre (ABLAC) is an expert on Australian Apprenticeships and an ideal first port of call if you need help or advice on the Australian Apprenticeships scheme.
We attract a large talent pool of potential apprentices and trainees through Skillsroad.com.au, our specialist job site for young people. We can also help with the range of Australian Apprenticeship options that will best meet your business needs.
You might also prefer to use your normal hiring procedures to recruit an apprentice or trainee. Once their employment starts, contact ABLAC for help with the signup process and paperwork.
Job Network
Job Network is a national network of around 200 private, community and government organisations dedicated to finding jobs for unemployed people. Contact a Job Network service provider in your area to help you find potential candidates for your position.
Advertise
You can advertise the position in your local paper or on the Australian Job Search website. If you are looking specifically for Indigenous employees, access the Indigenous Employment Service website.
Word of mouth
Word of mouth can be a powerful recruitment tool. Let people in your industry or community know that you are looking for an Australian Apprentice. It can often result in a recommendation. Have prospective Australian Apprentices contact you directly.
If you are a member of a business or trade association it should be even easier to find an Australian Apprentice by word of mouth.
Schools and registered training providers
Contact your local schools to let them know that you have a position available. Many will offer school-based Australian Apprenticeships training programs or they may be able to advertise the position to the school community.
You can also contact your local registered training organisation (RTO) to see if they have anyone suitable. Many RTOs provide prevocational or pre-employment courses where students already have some very useful skills.
http://www.training.com.au/portal/site/public/menuitem.501097158e712690f9fa5a1017a62dbc/
What does it cost?
Apprenticeship services
Our services are funded under an Australian Government contract and are provided at no cost to you.
Employing an Australian Apprentice
Wages for Australian Apprentices vary according to years of school completed, years of training, the type of Australian Apprenticeship and the industry or occupation, for example.
An Australian Apprentice is usually paid a training wage or an apprentice wage under an award, because they spend time in training. You will generally treat the Australian Apprentice in the same way as all your other employees in relation to superannuation, workers' compensation and other entitlements or requirements. You can find out more by calling the Workplace Infoline on 1300 363 264.
You can vary the mix of training and working time (providing certain conditions are met), employ an Australian Apprentice on a part time basis, and specify other terms and conditions which are appropriate to the needs of your business.
To find out more about which option is best for your business, contact ABLAC on 1300 652 236 or the Workplace Infoline on 1300 363 264.
Our free services include:
- a network of locally based consultants that visit your workplace
- advice on the best Australian Apprenticeships to suit your business
- advice on incentives that your business may be entitled to
- assistance with completing all necessary paperwork
- Apprenticeships Direct, our online tool for managing your apprentices and trainees, available all day – every day
- notification of incentives you are eligible to claim
- referral to advice on traineeship and apprenticeship award rates and other IR matters
- links with Job Network providers and other sources for suitable applicants
- links with Group Training Organisations in your local area or industry
- going advice and support, including keeping you abreast of Government legislation and changes in the Vocational Education and Training industry.
What level or qualification is applicable to my business?
Click here to view the answer to question in our FAQ
How does the Signup process work?
Click here to view the answer to question in our FAQ
What can ABLAC do for my business?
Australian Business Limited Apprenticeships Centre (ABLAC) is a specialist, independent and experienced provider of Australian Apprenticeships services in NSW.
We are here to help you sign up an apprentice or trainee and provide ongoing advice and assistance, leaving you to get on with running your business. And perhaps best of all, our services are funded under an Australian Government contract and are provided at no cost to you.
We have worked with thousands of businesses of all sizes to provide relevant, cost effective and worthwhile Australian Apprenticeships services. This helps them solve their skill shortages and integrate workplace training into their overall business strategy.
We are backed by one of the largest business support organisations in Australia, NSW Business Chamber. And we now offer AB Talent, an affordable recruitment solution which draws on our extensive networks and large talent bank to help match your staffing needs to quality candidates.
To find out more, call the ABLAC Client Service Centre on 1300 652 236.
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