FAQs
How do you hire an apprentice? (video)
How does the signup process work?
What’s a GTO?
What’s an RTO?
What’s in it for me?
What level of qualification suits my business?
How do you hire an apprentice?
Darren Cocks (General Manager, ABLAC), explains how apprenticeships work with Michael Browning from Rust, a furniture restoration company (KBB TV Episode 11, Part 3). Play video
Tip: To view the following video extras, click the thumbnail images which appear below main episode): Hiring an apprentice; Can anyone have an apprentice?; Holding onto trainees.
Source: Kochie's Business Builders.
How does the signup process work?
Snapshot
- Find a person you want to hire as an apprentice or trainee (this could be a new person or an existing employee)
- Contact ABLAC on 1300 652 236 and ask for signup
- An ABLAC field consultant will arrange a meeting and complete the necessary paper work (see 4 steps to signup).
About the signup process
If you are interested in taking on an apprentice or trainee, you’ll need to ‘sign them up’ to a Training Contract.
Training Contract
A Training Contract is a standard agreement between the employer and the apprentice/trainee which is lodged with the relevant State or Territory Training Authority. It outlines the parties’ various rights and responsibilities and nominates the preferred registered training provider (RTO). Every apprentice or trainee needs to sign a Training Contract in order to start their apprenticeship/traineeship and their training with the RTO.
Probationary Period
Most Training Contracts (for four year trade apprenticeships) automatically have a 3 month Probationary Period built into them. Traineeships also have a probationary period built in, depending on the full-time term of the traineeship (generally from one to four years – so the probationary period is from 1 to 3 months). It is therefore better for both the apprentice and employer to sign the Training Contract as soon as possible.
Either party may terminate the contract for any reason during the probationary period. Failing to sign an apprentice/trainee up within 3 months creates delays in their training and may affect your eligibility to claim government incentives. (Note: Trainee Apprentices (NSW only) are not subject to a Probationary Period.)
4 steps to signup
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Call ABLAC on 1300 652 236 and ask for signup as soon as you employ an apprentice or trainee
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An ABLAC field consultant calls to arrange an appointment to suit both you and your apprentice/trainee
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The consultant visits and organises the signup paperwork:
a. Training Plan Summary
This is later faxed by consultant to the Registered Training Organisation eg TAFE to let them know that training needs to start.
b. Signup Form
The Australian Apprenticeship system is explained (includes incentives, responsibilities, key contacts). The Signup Form is ABLAC’s ‘invoice’ to the Federal Government – the signatures to the form verify that all issues listed plus other issues as defined have been discussed with the parties.
c. Training Contract
This is the official document which is lodged with the Training Authority in your State or Territory for formal approval of the apprenticeship/traineeship. Both you and your employee receive a letter confirming approval from the State Training Authority.
Note: if the apprentice or trainee is under 18, their parent/guardian will also need to sign the Training Contract.
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ABLAC sends out copies of the Training Contract and confirmation letters showing any incentive eligibility to both you and your employee.
ABLAC staff will ensure you receive the claims you may be entitled to, mailing out claim forms to be signed at various stages of the apprenticeship. They will also visit or call from time to time throughout the training term – the first of these visits occurs around six months after the apprenticeship starts.
What's a GTO?
Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employ Australian Apprentices, and then hire them out to 'host employers'. The GTO is responsible for the quality and continuity of the employment and training, and provides care and support throughout the apprenticeship or traineeship.
For more information, go to:
What's an RTO?
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are private providers of nationally recognised courses and qualifications. RTOs can include TAFE, private training providers, industry organisations and individual businesses.
RTOs may offer a range of services to your business including:
- skills analysis – what skills does your business need?
- identification of individual staff training needs (based on the skills analysis).
- recognition of prior learning (identifies and certifies the existing skills and knowledge of your staff)
- development of a training/learning program customisation of qualifications to suit your needs
- training – the RTO may conduct training programs
- resources – the RTO can develop training resources
- assessment – assesses the competency of your staff
- issue qualifications which will be nationally recognised.
List of RTOs delivering training by state/territory
What's in it for me?
Training your staff, keeping them motivated and up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies is essential to achieving your business goals.
When done properly, training, learning and development is an investment rather than a cost. Effective training leads to higher labour productivity which increases business output and makes your business more competitive. Training also increases staff retention: in some companies, training programs have reduced staff turnover by 70 per cent and led to a return on investment of 7,000 per cent (training.com.au).
Over time, training will boost the bottom line and reduce costs by decreasing:
- wasted time and materials
- maintenance costs of machinery and equipment
- workplace accidents, leading to lower insurance premiums
- recruitment costs through the internal promotion of skilled staff
- absenteeism.
Training staff to manage the implementation of new technology, work practices and business strategies can also act as a benchmark for future recruitment and quality assurance practices.
Training can also improve:
- staff morale and satisfaction
- 'soft skills' such as inter-staff communication and leadership
- time management
- customer satisfaction.
Training.com.au
Vocational education and training information, products and services in Australia.
What level of qualification suits my business?
Qualifications are available in more than 80% of occupations, ranging from traditional trades, engineering, mining and building through to aviation, electronics, biotechnology, telecommunications, retail and financial services.
Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications include:
- Certificate I
- Certificate II
- Certificate III
- Certificate IV
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
Certificates I – IV:
- recognise achievement of specified national industry competency standards at four AQF levels in a wide variety of trades, industries and enterprises
- recognise skills and knowledge that meet nationally endorsed industry/enterprise competency standards as agreed for those qualifications by the relevant industry, enterprise, community or professional group
- include preparatory access and participation skills and knowledge such as:
- literacy and numeracy
- communication skills
- working in teams
- workplace technology
- industry specific competencies, of increasing complexity and personal accountability at each level of the Certificate qualification
- may be gained through a wide range of pathways, including: Australian Apprenticeships (including traineeships); work-based and/or school/institution-based training; and recognition of prior learning (which may include training programs or an accumulation of short courses).
For more information, go to: The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a national qualification system for schools, vocational education and training (TAFEs and private providers) and the higher education sector (mainly universities).
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows a person to receive recognition and credit for the knowledge and skills they have, no matter how and where they were attained, including overseas.
ABLAC will help you decide the level of expertise required for specific positions – call 1300 652 236.
More information
Australian Apprenticeships Job Pathways website – search by industry groups, job titles or trade occupations.
A registered training organisation (RTO) will design a customised training program for each employee depending on your business needs.
Do my employees have to do a whole qualification?
No – it depends on the needs of the employee and organisation. The training program can range from one unit of competency to a whole qualification.
VET courses
Vocational education and training (VET) courses are provided by TAFE, private training organisations, community based organisations and employers. | 
