5 Steps Towards Becoming an Apprentice or Trainee
What exactly are apprenticeships and traineeships?
STEP 1 > DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO
STEP 3 > AGREE TO WORK TOGETHER: SIGN AN AGREEMENT
STEP 4 > CREATE A TRAINING PLAN TO GAIN NEW SKILLS
STEP 5 > PUT SOMETHING IN AND GET SOMETHING BACK
What exactly are apprenticeships and traineeships? <Return to Contents>
Apprenticeships and traineeships support your learning while you work. An apprentice or trainee and their employer sign an agreement to work together so that the apprentice or trainee can learn the skills of the occupation they have chosen.
Apprenticeships and traineeships can be full-time or part-time. Students can also start apprenticeships and traineeships while they are at school. Apprentices and trainees can learn at work and with a registered training organisation. The length of apprenticeships and traineeships depends on the industry, the occupation or trade, any previous training the apprentice or trainee may have had and how quickly he or she learns the skills of the apprenticeship or traineeship. Traineeships usually last one year, while apprenticeships usually take four years to complete.
For a list of all apprenticeships and traineeships currently available in Queensland, phone the Training line on 1300 369 935 (local call cost, mobiles and payphones may be extra).
What’s in it for you? <Return to Contents>
a paid job while learning new skills
a huge choice of jobs and career paths
a qualification that is recognised wherever you go in Australia
a pathway from school to work
STEP 1 > DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO <Return to Contents>
To have the best chance of finding an occupation that suits you, think about what you enjoy and what interests you. Find out if there is an apprenticeship or traineeship offering skills you will enjoy learning. Ask your family, friends or school’s career guidance officer about the job. There are many different kinds of apprenticeships and traineeships across a range of industries and occupations, including:
agriculture
boat building
carpentry
catering
child care
construction
engineering
hairdressing
horticulture
hospitality
information technology
retail operations
signwriting
sport and recreation
veterinary nursing
STEP 2 > FIND AN EMPLOYER <Return to Contents>
Once you have decided which apprenticeship or traineeship you want to do, you will need to find an employer to give you a job so you can earn while you learn. When you go to an interview, remember to take information including a written background about yourself, your school studies and any jobs you may have had.
When you speak to employers, find out as much as you can about the job. Ask them what they will want you to do, what hours you will have to work, how you will be trained and what you should wear to work.
You can find an employer by:
contacting the Job Network information line on 13 62 68
contacting Group Training Australia on 07 3844 3444
approaching employers directly
applying for jobs advertised in the newspaper
How Job Network can help
Call the Job Network information line for a list of Job Network members in your area. Your Job Network member can match you with job vacancies. If you need more help in preparing for work, they will refer you to your nearest Centrelink office for assistance. Contact the Job Network on 13 62 68.
How Group Training Australia can help
Group Training Australia will put you in touch with a group training scheme in your area. Group training schemes employ apprentices and trainees and then place them with different employers during their training. Group training scheme apprentices and trainees also gain:
the security of continued employment throughout the training period, and
the chance to work for different companies, with different people, experiencing a variety of workplaces and ways of doing things to gain all of the skills they need.
Contact Group Training Australia to find out the scheme nearest to you. Telephone 07 3844 3444.
How the Department of Employment, Training and Industrial Relations can help
Departmental officers at regional locations can provide you with assistance on all aspects of apprenticeships and traineeships, including:
information on the range of different apprenticeships and traineeships you can do
lists of registered training organisations contracted to provide training
help should problems arise with the training you receive
rights and obligations of the apprentice or trainee and the employer
administrative matters relating to your apprenticeship or traineeship including the registration and approval process for training agreements
information on travel and accommodation subsidies for travel to your registered training organisation
wages and allowances for trainees and apprentices
maths, reading and writing training
solving problems between employers and apprentices and trainees
information on Government incentives available to employers; you can let employers know about the incentives
How Government incentives can help you and your employer
Queensland Government Incentives
The Queensland Government’s incentives offer young people opportunities to gain an apprenticeship or traineeship in industry sectors where there are skill shortages.
Under the Private Sector Employment initiative, which is a component of the Breaking the Unemployment Cycle initiative, private sector employers and group training schemes can receive a cash bonus of up to $2,000. This bonus is available for each additional apprentice or trainee employed on or after 1 October 1998 in industries suffering skill shortages that are crucial to the development of the State’s economy.
A full list of the eligible apprenticeships and traineeships, together with the eligibility criteria, are outlined in the Private Sector Employment initiative brochure which is available from all departmental regional offices.
Similar incentives are also available to public sector employers including State Government Departments, statutory authorities and local governments.
For further information on private and public sector employment initiatives contact your local departmental office.
Commonwealth Government Incentives
Employers may also be eligible for a Commonwealth employer incentive or subsidy when they take on an apprentice or trainee. As an apprentice or trainee you may be eligible for a Living Away From Home Allowance of $70 per week for the first 12 months of your apprenticeship or traineeship. This allowance is available if you have had to move away from your parent’s/guardian’s home to commence or remain in an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Employers and their apprentices or trainees must satisfy the eligibility criteria set out in the Commonwealth New Apprenticeships Incentives Programme Guidelines to receive payment of incentives. New Apprenticeships Centres can provide you and your employer with information on these incentives. To find the New Apprenticeships Centre closest to you, call 1800 639 629.
STEP 3 > AGREE TO WORK TOGETHER: SIGN AN AGREEMENT <Return to Contents>
What is the training agreement?
A training agreement is a legally binding agreement, signed by an apprentice or trainee and an employer who agree to work and train together for a length of time. If you are aged under 18, your parent or guardian must also sign the agreement. The agreement is registered with the Department of Employment, Training and Industrial Relations. Training agreements can be obtained from your local departmental office or New Apprenticeships Centre.
When you sign the agreement, both you and your employer promise to do certain things. As an apprentice or trainee, you agree to turn up for work, to do training to learn new skills and behave professionally in the workplace. Your employer agrees to give you a job, to provide and arrange training with a registered training organisation, to make sure you are safe in the workplace, to pay you and to make sure you receive your entitlements, including holidays, overtime, sick leave and superannuation. You’ll find full details of all conditions and obligations in the Conditions and Obligations section of the training agreement.
For information on your pay and other conditions, contact Wageline on 1300 369 945 (local call cost, mobiles and payphones may be extra)
Don't be misled!
Please remember that the training agreement is a legally binding agreement.
Make sure you understand and check the information on the training agreement
before you sign it. If any of the information is found to be false or misleading,
you may be prosecuted.
Use probation to be sure
Probation is a period of time when an apprentice or trainee works and trains with an employer before each decides whether to continue with the apprenticeship or traineeship. It is the ideal opportunity to decide whether the job is right for you. Watch how the business works, see if you enjoy working there, try lots of different tasks and make sure you get feedback from your employer to see how you are going. Probation begins once you and your employer agree to the terms of a training agreement. Probation usually lasts 90 days for an apprentice and 30 days for a trainee. During probation, either of you may apply to extend the probation period. You or your employer may also terminate the training agreement during probation by giving a week’s notice. Please contact your local departmental office to discuss your options.
At the end of probation, if you both decide to go on with the apprenticeship/traineeship, you and your employer commit to work together for the length of the training agreement.
STEP 4 > CREATE A TRAINING PLAN TO GAIN NEW SKILLS <Return to Contents>
Map out your training through a training plan
It is important to map out a training plan to make sure you learn new skills. An outline of a training plan is included with the training agreement. So that you are actively involved in mapping out your training, you will work as part of a team with your employer and your registered training organisation to design a training plan.
The training plan helps you and your employer to understand what is expected of you and acts as a guide to make sure you learn all the skills you need to gain your qualification. It outlines what you will learn and where and how often you will be trained. The training plan is to be completed and signed by you, your registered training organisation and your employer before the end of probation, with all three parties keeping a copy.
How do I keep track of what I’ve learnt?
Each time you learn a new skill, it will be recorded in a training record book, supplied by your registered training organisation. You will be responsible for looking after the training record book. The book is to be filled in by you, your employer and your registered training organisation as you learn each new skill.
Who will train me?
You will learn many of your skills at work, but may also receive training with a registered training organisation. The Government has contracted all TAFE institutes and a number of private training organisations to provide training for apprentices and trainees. It is their job to make sure you get the right training during your apprenticeship or traineeship. They can help by:
working with you and your employer to design the training plan
checking what previous work experience or training you have to see how it fits in with the training plan
providing you with a training record book and other materials you may need for your training
training you and assisting your employer to make sure your training is completed on time
organising any additional learning support you might need (eg. help with maths, reading or writing)
giving you advice on student tuition fees
giving you advice on travel and accommodation subsidies
In what ways can an apprentice or trainee receive training?
The way an apprentice or trainee receives training will depend on their chosen apprenticeship or traineeship. Training may be conducted in a training room at college or in a workplace training room (if you have one) or by the employer at work. Some apprenticeships or traineeships use a combination of both training methods. You should discuss the kind of training required for your apprenticeship or traineeship with your registered training organisation when you are creating the training plan.
STEP 5 > PUT SOMETHING IN AND GET SOMETHING BACK <Return to Contents>
Earn while you learn
You will be paid a training wage for the time you work and for the time you spend training with your registered training organisation. The amount you earn will depend on the apprenticeship or traineeship you choose. Remember that once you finish your apprenticeship or traineeship, you will have the skills and experience to start your career. For information on wages and entitlements contact Wageline on 1300 369 945.
Will I have to pay for my training?
The Queensland Government pays the majority of the training costs for all apprentices and eligible trainees, however, you may have to pay tuition and student fees. This will depend on which apprenticeship or traineeship you do. Ask your registered training organisation whether you need to pay these fees. The maximum tuition fee within any 12-month period is $625.80 with the maximum annual student service fee being $154.
If you are a trainee and have already been working for an employer for more than three months full-time or more than 12-months part-time or casual, the Government will not pay for the training costs associated with your traineeship (this does not apply to apprenticeships). The cost of your training will need to be paid for by either you or your employer. You should discuss this with your employer and your registered training organisation before signing the training agreement.
Who pays for my tools?
For some apprenticeships, your employer must provide you with tools. To find out which apprenticeships require your employer to supply you with tools, contact Wageline on 1300 369 945 (local call cost, mobiles and payphones may be extra).
As part of the Breaking the Unemployment Cycle initiative, the Queensland Government also offers up to $300 in start-up assistance for apprentices and trainees. This is to help apprentices and trainees buy equipment such as tools and protective equipment but not uniforms. This money is available to an apprentice or trainee if they:
work in an industry identified as having a current or potential skill shortage and identified as crucial to the development of the State’s economy; and
purchase their own tools and/or protective equipment (excluding uniforms), where the employer does not already supply the necessary tools/protective equipment and the industry is not covered by a tool allowance.
If you are eligible for start-up assistance you will be refunded the cost of your tools/protective equipment up to a maximum of $300 where the purchase price is assessed as being fair and reasonable. A list of the apprenticeships and traineeships eligible for start-up assistance is detailed in the Breaking the Unemployment Cycle start-up assistance brochure, which is available from all departmental regional offices.
A statutory declaration signed by the employer, together with an application form signed by the apprentice/trainee, and any receipts for the pre-purchase of tools/protective equipment (excluding uniforms) can be lodged at your local departmental office.
Start your career
Once you have learnt the skills outlined in your training plan, you will receive a qualification (in the form of a certificate) that is recognised wherever you go in Australia.
Six weeks before you finish your apprenticeship or traineeship, the Department of Employment, Training and Industrial Relations will send you and your employer a form to fill in to confirm that you have gained the necessary skills and what day you will finish. This form should be returned to the department, along with a copy of your qualification that will be issued by your registered training organisation. The State Training Council will then issue you with a Completion Certificate confirming that your apprenticeship/traineeship has been completed.
At the end of your apprenticeship or traineeship you will have learnt many new skills that will assist you in your working future. If you have been happy working with your employer and they have been happy with you, you both may decide that you should stay on as a permanent employee. Keep in mind, though, that you don’t have to stay with the same employer and your employer does not have to keep employing you.
Can I do an apprenticeship or traineeship part-time?
YES. Part-time employees may do apprenticeships or traineeships if the right arrangements are in place. Under a part-time apprenticeship or traineeship an apprentice or trainee must work a minimum of 15 hours per week, averaged over a four-week period. You must also be rostered to work on a regular and continuous basis. The right industrial relations arrangements must also be in place. Casual employees may not undertake part-time apprenticeships or traineeships. For advice on part-time apprenticeships and traineeships, contact your local departmental office. Details are on the back page of this booklet.
Can I do an apprenticeship or traineeship while I am at school?
YES. A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship allows you to study for a Senior Certificate and at the same time undertake nationally recognised training qualifications as a paid employee. It is a valuable opportunity for school students to move from school to work more easily and for an employer to gain a work-ready employee. You may be able to convert an industry placement or work experience into an apprenticeship or traineeship if the employer and your school agree. Students may work one to two days a week in paid employment and attend school on the remaining days. Alternatively, you may work for blocks of days or weeks during school hours or school holidays. Training for some apprenticeships and traineeships occurs at work or school while others are required to study with a registered training organisation. You may undertake all mainstream apprenticeships and traineeships ensuring that you enter the program any time after completing Year 10 but before July of Year 12.
While some students may complete their traineeship while they are still at school, those doing apprenticeships and others doing traineeships will finish their training after they have left school on a full-time or part-time basis. The school-based apprenticeship and traineeship program involves students from State, Independent and Catholic schools. Contact your school's career guidance officer for further information.
WHAT MORE CAN WE TELL YOU? <Return to Contents>
What happens if I am injured at work?
Under Queensland law, employers must pay an annual premium to WorkCover Queensland to insure against the costs of workers’ compensation claims made by injured workers. If you are injured at work and your workers’ compensation claim to WorkCover is accepted, you may receive money to pay for income replacement, medical and hospital costs, rehabilitation and other expenses. You can get workers’ compensation regardless of whether your injury was your own or your employer’s fault. Contact WorkCover Queensland on 1300 362 128 (local call cost, mobiles and payphones may be extra).
What happens if business is slow and there isn’t enough work for me to do?
There are ways to help you if business is slow and your employer is having trouble finding enough work for you to do. Contact your local departmental office and ask what your options are. We may be able to arrange a period of standown from work for you or find you a temporary assignment with another employer until business picks up.
What should I do if I am having problems at work?
Communication is a very important part of an apprenticeship or traineeship. You need to feel comfortable about asking questions relating to your employment and training. If either you or your employer have problems communicating, this may lead to conflicts and misunderstandings. It is best if difficulties are worked out directly between you and your employer. Departmental officers can help you talk with your employer and find out what the problem is. Don’t wait until you or your employer have had enough and are ready to give up before calling for assistance. Appointments can be made over the telephone for a visit to where you work or you can come to us. Contact your local departmental office. Details are at the end of this document.
What happens if an apprentice or trainee behaves inappropriately?
It is important you contact the Department for assistance in dealing with this situation. If the Department takes disciplinary action, it may include a written reprimand, fine, suspension or cancellation of the apprenticeship or traineeship.
Disciplinary action can be taken by the Department if the apprentice or trainee:
disobeys an employer’s instruction
is dishonest
is absent from work without the employer’s approval
fails to attend college or school
makes unsatisfactory progress in their training
Can the length of the apprenticeship or traineeship be reduced or extended?
Yes. If an apprentice or trainee has gained all the skills outlined in the training plan before the end of their apprenticeship or traineeship, the length of the apprenticeship or traineeship can be reduced. Likewise, if an apprentice or trainee has not achieved all the skills outlined in the training plan by the end of their apprenticeship or traineeship, it may be possible to extend the length of the apprenticeship or traineeship. Contact your local departmental office.
Can I cancel my apprenticeship or traineeship?
YES. However, your first option should be to see if it is possible to sort out your problems and continue with your training. Departmental officers can help you. If you would like more time to decide if you want to continue with the apprenticeship or traineeship, you can write to the Department and ask to extend your probation. You must send your request before the end of your probation period. This request must be signed by both you and your employer. To discuss the process, contact your departmental regional office.
If you are in the probation period, either you or your employer can withdraw from the agreement. If probation is finished, you can still apply to cancel the apprenticeship or traineeship. However as your agreement is legally binding there are conditions for cancelling the agreement. Should you wish to cancel after probation it is important that you contact your local departmental office for assistance.
What happens to me if my employer sells their business?
As an apprentice/trainee, you are contracted to the owner of the business where you are employed. If the owner sells the business, you will have your training agreement automatically assigned to the new owner of the business. For this to occur the new owner must advise the Department of Employment, Training and Industrial Relations of the new arrangements within 21 days of the transfer of business. For further information contact the Training line on 1300 369 935.