Employing an Australian Apprentice. what you need to know

Transcription

1 Employing an Australian Apprentice what you need to know

2 Thank you for choosing Mission Australia Apprenticeship Solutions as your Australian Apprenticeships Centre Apprenticeship Solutions is committed to helping you and your Australian Apprentice* through every step of the Australian Apprenticeship**. We will work with you and your Trainee or Apprentice to ensure that your business gains the best possible benefits from the Australian Apprenticeship Programme. Mission Australia is a national organisation that delivers more than 450 life transforming employment and community services across the country. Apprenticeship Solutions staff have proven expertise and passion for vocational training. We have the simple goal of making traineeships and apprenticeships easy. Supported by an established national network and with access to logistical, HR and IT expertise, our staff are equipped to guide you through all of the necessary processes and paperwork. This brochure details important facts and reference points that you need to be aware of. It is intended to be kept as a reference point throughout the Australian Apprenticeship process. WHAT THIS BOOKLET COVERS Our role as your Australian Apprenticeships Centre 01 Rights and responsibilities 03 Frequently asked questions 04 Australian government incentives 05 Australian Apprenticeships Centres Code of Conduct 07 Other information 08 Locations of Mission Australia Apprenticeship Solutions 09 We wish you every success. Call or go to * referred to in some states as apprentice or trainee ** referred to in some states as apprenticeships and traineeships call or visit

3 Our role as your Australian Apprenticeships Centre Investing in training through an Australian Apprenticeship can provide your business with very real benefits. No two businesses are the same, which is why Australian Apprenticeships have been designed to be flexible, whilst also providing nationally recognised quality training for your staff. Recruitment Sign-up Training contract Induction Mission Australia Apprenticeship Solutions will assist you in: Advice on Australian Apprenticeships; Recruitment solutions; Providing a complete induction for you and your Australian Apprentice during which we will: Complete a Training Contract; Advise you and your Australian Apprentice of rights and responsibilities; Explain all of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives including time limits, eligibility and benefits; Discuss your chosen qualification and Registered Training Organisation (RTO) options. Advice and administration of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Programme; Incentive claims paperwork. # Known in some states as Supervised Registered Training Organisation (SRTO) Sign-Up Training plan Induction Your registered training organisation (RTO) We will discuss the training requirements and options available for you and your Australian Apprentice. Once you have completed your induction, signed a Training Contract and chosen your Registered Training Organisation (RTO) #, we will notify them on your behalf to request they meet with you and your Australian Apprentice. We will provide information necessary for them to formulate a Training Plan that sets up a schedule for training the Australian Apprentice that takes into account their past experience and the needs of your business. Training contract submitted/approved Once the Training Contract has been approved by your State Training Authority, you will be issued with an Identification Number. This is the Registration Number of your Australian Apprenticeship and will be posted to you. Incentives After your Training Contract has been approved, Apprenticeship Solutions will assess your eligibility for Australian Apprenticeships Incentives and contact you officially by post. call or visit 1

4 Our role as your Australian Apprenticeships Centre Ongoing contacts 6, 12 and 24 months Throughout the duration of the Australian Apprenticeship we will keep in touch to make sure things run smoothly. We will also keep in contact with your Australian Apprentice. If you have questions outside of these visits please call us on Completion of Australian Apprenticeships When an Australian Apprenticeship has been completed, your State Training Authority will issue a Completion Certificate. You can then submit an application to us for a Completion Incentive if one is due. We will remind you about this by sending a claim form for you to complete. Summary Our aim is to: Provide a streamlined and professional approach; Work within the Australian Apprenticeships Code of Conduct; Be open and honest with you at all times; Provide feedback to any questions within 48 hours; Abide by all laws relating to privacy of information; Liaise closely with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and your State Training Authority to ensure all information provided to you is current and correct. You and your Australian Apprentice will choose your preferred RTO to provide your Australian Apprentice with all the skills and knowledge they will need. Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) When you engage an Australian Apprentice, training is an essential ingredient for the successful completion of their qualification. You and your Australian Apprentice will choose your preferred RTO to provide your Australian Apprentice with all the skills and knowledge they will need. This provider must be an RTO with the scope of registration to deliver the appropriate qualification. The RTO chosen by you and your Australian Apprentice is required to undertake the following: Work with you and your Australian Apprentice to develop a Training Plan; Deliver all necessary training in a timely and effective manner; Assess achievements; and Issue qualifications upon successful completion. Training may be funded by the State Government under a User Choice arrangement for new employees. When public funding is not available, the training costs can be negotiated by the employer with the RTO under a fee for service agreement with costs often fully covered by Australian Government incentives due. Your Apprenticeship Solutions Consultant will be pleased to explain what is available for your particular situation. When choosing an RTO to deliver your training, some points to consider include: Location Mode of delivery Flexibility Training options Support Experience and expertise. Your Apprenticeship Solutions Consultant will provide you with a list of the RTOs delivering the qualification your Australian Apprentice is undertaking, and can discuss the various aspects with you. 2 call or visit

5 Rights and responsibilities The Australian Apprenticeship programme is based on a spirit of partnership, reinforced by the following rights and responsibilities. Both parties: Understand that there is a formal agreement to train the Australian Apprentice. This agreement is known as the Training Contract, and it sets out the legal obligations binding the employer and the Australian Apprentice; Enter into the employment and training arrangement with a commitment to mutual respect, honesty and fairness; Agree to determine the qualification and the competencies that the Australian Apprentice is working to attain; Have a clear understanding of their contractual obligations including the duration of the Training Contract; and Are clear about available dispute resolution avenues and understand what is required to terminate the Training Contract. The employer will: Provide a safe working environment. This involves: Providing a safe workplace, free from bullying and verbal, physical, racial and sexual abuse; Ensuring that all occupational health and safety requirements are addressed; and Providing an appropriate introduction to the workplace, stressing those core occupational health and safety requirements essential to workplace safety. Support structured training This involves: Providing opportunities to develop knowledge and skills; Participating in the development of the training plan and providing facilities and expertise to assist in the training of the Australian Apprentice in the agreed qualification (this may include on-the-job training, supervision from competent people, mentoring, or time to undertake off-the-job training); Ensuring that a record of training is maintained; and Ensuring that the relevant authorities are notified upon completion of the Training Contract, or advising them in instances where the Training Contract is in danger of not being completed. Provide supervision and support This involves: Providing the Australian Apprentice with a nominated workplace supervisor. This could involve a coaching or mentoring arrangement, especially for Australian Apprentices with little experience of work; and Being mindful that Australian Apprentices under the age of 18 are minors, and that their parents or guardians have legal responsibility for them. Advise Australian Apprentices of their rights and responsibilities This involves: Ensuring that Australian Apprentices are encouraged to raise issues and problems both in the workplace and with the Registered Training Organisation; Advising them of entitlements, such as wages, conditions etc; Ensuring that the Australian Apprentice is aware that help and assistance are also available from the relevant State/Territory Training Authority; and Providing comprehensive induction processes for commencing Australian Apprentices to ensure that, from the time of commencement, they are aware of the proposed training program, workplace safety requirements and their rights and responsibilities. MEET LEGAL OBLIGATIONS This involves: Conforming with relevant Australian Government and State/ Territory legislation. THE AUSTRALIAN APPRENTICE WILL: Be aware of and make a commitment to fulfil work responsibilities. This involves: Attending and performing work in a professional and courteous manner in accordance with the employer s requirements; Taking care of workplace property and resources; Respecting the rights of other Australian Apprentices and employees in the workplace; Remembering that information obtained from the employer must be kept confidential and not disclosed without approval from the employer; and Obtaining consent from a parent or guardian if the Australian Apprentice is less than 18 years of age. Be aware of and make a commitment to fulfil training responsibilities. This involves: Participating in the development of the training plan; Making all reasonable efforts to achieve the competencies specified in the training plan and undertaking any training assessment required; Attending training sessions or supervised workplace activities and taking advantage of learning opportunities; and Maintaining a record of training such as a training record book. call or visit 3

6 Frequently Asked Questions How do i decide on a registered training organisation? With over 600 different training programmes, this will be dependent on the nature of the job. We will assess the roles and advise which training programs are most suitable. We can also provide options of Registered Training Organisations (Supervising Registered Training Organisations in some States). Is there an Australian Apprenticeship to suit my business? Yes. Australian Apprenticeships cover over 600 different occupations. A full-time Australian Apprenticeship can take from one to five years to complete. What is an Australian School-based Apprenticeship? They typically allow high school students in Years 11 and 12 to work with an employer as a paid employee while completing their school studies. At the same time, students undertake a training qualification with a Registered Training Organisation (Supervising Registered Training Organisations in some States). When does my Australian Apprentice attend training? Training will be organised at a convenient time after discussion between you, your apprentice and your training organisation. What are the benefits of a Group Training Organisation (GTO)? A GTO can employ your Australian Apprentice, and manage the training, provide ongoing support and undertake all paperwork connected with wages, allowances, superannuation, and other employment benefits. You can become a host employer for a GTO by contacting Group Training Australia go to: HOW CAN I BEST USE THE SERVICES OF MISSION AUSTRALIA APPRENTICESHIP SOLUTIONS? We can assist you with total employment solutions from coordinating recruitment through to completion of training. We will identify the right solutions to help grow your business, enhance your employee skill levels and match the right apprentice to your job. Can my existing staff do training through an Australian Apprenticeship? Yes. Please contact us on to discuss the necessary eligibility requirements. What are my obligations and expectations as an employer? You are to provide training, supervision and relevant workplace instruction. You must notify the relevant State Government Training Authority within 14 days of any changes to the Training Contract. How do i find an Australian Apprenticeship? Call Apprenticeship Solutions on What incentives and allowances are available for Australian Apprenticeships? Incentives and allowances range from $750 up to $4000 per apprentice, depending on your eligibility. Further special incentives may also apply. Please contact us before you recruit your Australian Apprentice to ensure you receive your maximum benefit. WHAT WAGES DO I HAVE TO PAY MY AUSTRALIAN APPRENTICE? Wages can often be paid at a reduced rate which takes into account the time spent in formal training. Wages vary across qualifications and are determined by the relevant industrial award or employment contract. For more information check with your state government industrial relations agency or the federal authority, Fair Work Infoline on or go to: 4 call or visit

7 Australian Government Incentives Apprenticeship Solutions will identify and help you to claim all incentives you are entitled to and will send you all relevant claim forms. LODGING OF CLAIM FORMS Apprenticeship Solutions will send you the appropriate claim form which you will then need to complete and return to us for processing. If you need to supply any additional evidence we will advise you. As the employer you are responsible for lodging the completed forms with Apprenticeship Solutions we will remind you when they are due and assist you with this process. TIMEFRAMES AND CUTOFFS Claims for incentives must be received by Apprenticeship Solutions within 12 months of the eligible due dates for commencement, recommencement or completion incentives for the Australian Apprenticeship claims lodged outside this timeframe may not be eligible for payment. We will advise you of different timeframes if applicable for other incentives. Your Apprenticeship Solutions Consultant will be happy to discuss your potential eligibility for incentives. Conditions apply - entitlements are formerly assessed and notified to you in writing after the sign-up event. Incentive When to claim Amount Commencement Incentive 3 months after the commencement Certificate II Level $1250 Payable to an employer who commences In NSW only trainee apprentices Certificate III/IV Level and above $1500 an Australian Apprentice in eligible Certificate II, III, 12 months after commencement IV or Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications. APPRENTICE KICKSTART EXTENSION COMMENCEMENT BONUS Payable in addition to the Commencement Incentive when you employ a new Australian Apprentice aged 19 years and under in an eligible skill shortage occupation. Eligibility applies to small and medium sized employers with less than 200 employees, as well as group training organisations. Mature Aged Worker Commencement Incentive Payable in addition to the Commencement Incentive when you employ a Mature Aged Australian Apprentice 45 years or older, meeting special eligibility criteria. Australian School-Based Apprenticeship Commencement Incentive Payable in addition to the Commencement Incentive when you employ an Australian School-based Apprentice. Rural and Regional Skill Shortages Incentive Payable in addition to the Commencement Incentive when you employ an Australian Apprentice in an eligible qualification and skill shortage occupation in a rural area. Recommencement Incentive Payable to employers recommencing an Australian Apprentice who is out of trade 3 months after the commencement Note: this initiative currently runs for new start dates from 12 May 2010 to 12 November 2010 (inclusive) or earlier if 22,500 new registrations are achieved nationally. Certificate III/IV Level $850 3 months after the commencement Certificate II/III/IV Level and above $750 3 months after the commencement Certificate II/III/IV Level and above $750 3 months after the commencement Certificate III/IV Level $ months after the recommencement Certificate III/IV Level and above $750 call or visit 5

8 Incentive When to claim Amount Securing 12 weeks after the recommencement. Certificate III/IV Level and above $1800 Recommencement Bonus Note: this initiative currently expires Payable to employers recommencing an where the 12 week point is before Australian Apprentice who is out of trade into an 31 December eligible qualification and skill shortage occupation or Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualification Completion Incentive Payable to the employer when the Australian Apprentice successfully completes their qualification. Securing Completion Bonus Payable to the employer when an Australian Apprentice successfully completes an eligible qualification and skill shortage occupation or Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualification. APPRENTICE KICKSTART EXTENSION RETENTION BONUS Payable to employers that have retained employment of an Australian Apprentice who attracted the Apprentice Kickstart Commencement Bonus. Mature Aged Worker Completion Incentive Payable in addition to the Completion Incentive when the Mature Aged Australian Apprentice successfully completes their qualification. Australian School-based Apprenticeship Retention Incentive Payable to an employer who continues employment of a former student who had commenced or completed an Australian School-based Apprenticeship before completing Year 12. Support for Adult Australian Apprentices Payable for Australian Apprentices aged 25 and over who commence an Australian Apprenticeship in an eligible trade experiencing a skills shortage. The payment is made to either the employer or the apprentice (depending on wage levels paid). Upon successful completion of the qualification. Upon successful completion of the qualification. Note: this initiative currently expires when the successful completion date is before 31 December months after commencement. Note: is only available when the Australian Apprentice is continuously employed for the eligible period Upon successful completion of the qualification. Upon completion of at least twelve consecutive weeks employment prior to the 30 June after Year 12 was completed. From commencement to the end of the second year. Certificate III/IV Level and above $2500 Certificate III/IV Level and above $1000 Certificate III/IV Level $2500 Certificate III/IV Level and above $750 Certificate II/III/IV Level and above $750 Certificate III/IV Level $150 per week for Yr 1, $100 per week for Yr 2 for Full-time Australian Apprentices. Australian Apprentices with a disability Full-time Australian Apprentices with a disability may be entitled to attract a wage subsidy of $ per week to the employer as an alternative to receiving standard Employer incentives. Funding is also available to pay RTOs who provide extra tutorial, mentor or interpreter assistance. For more information and advice on eligibility speak to your Apprenticeship Solutions Consultant 6 call or visit

9 Australian Apprenticeships Centres Code of Conduct Who is the code for? This code applies to all Australian Apprenticeships Centres and represents the minimum standards to be applied in all dealings with employers, Australian Apprentices and interested persons. The aim of the code The aim of the Code is to ensure the delivery of high quality and ethical support services to employers and Australian Apprentices. The Code of Conduct Australian Apprenticeships Centres will provide: Accurate, impartial and comprehensive information to employers, Australian Apprentices and other interested persons on: Training products and delivery options appropriate to the needs of employers, particularly nationally endorsed Training Packages; Their rights and obligations under Training Contracts e.g. employers requirements to release Australian Apprentices to attend the off-the-job training components of Training Packages or Australian Apprentices obligations to attend work including off-the-job training; Australian Apprenticeships Incentives and Allowances; The operation of User Choice and the services available from Registered Training Organisations in the region; Flexible training delivery including school to work arrangements; and Industrial relations matters which may include referral to appropriate industrial relations agencies or employer organisations. An ongoing point of contact for the duration of the Australian Apprenticeship to help ensure their successful completion; Advertising and information material that identifies the requirements of Australian Apprenticeships and is consistent with all Australian Government and State requirements and reflects truth, accuracy and good taste; and A process through which employers, Australian Apprentices and other interested persons can notify inadequacies, problems or other issues in the delivery of Australian Apprenticeships Support Services. In addition, Australian Apprenticeships Centres will provide to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) accurate and complete information in relation to claims for payment under contractual arrangements and the determining of eligibility for Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Programme payments. Australian Apprenticeships Centres will comply with Australian Government fraud control and risk management requirements. Australian Apprenticeships Centres will also work closely, cooperatively and openly with State and Territory Training Authorities and fully comply with State and Territory administrative and legislative requirements in relation to Australian Apprenticeships and the provision of information relating to their dealings with employers and Australian Apprentices. Australian Apprenticeships Centres will fully participate in and support national arrangements for the promotion and growth of Australian Apprenticeships. In particular, they will reflect this in their dealings with employers, Australian Apprentices and other interested persons and organisations, including other Australian Apprenticeships Centres and Registered Training Organisations. Australian Apprenticeships centres must: Be open and honest at all times; Be respectful and courteous in their dealings with all clients; Inform clients of their rights, obligations and entitlements; Ensure that the provision of information is current, accurate, impartial and consistent; Ensure that advice about training options, particularly National Training Packages, best reflects the training needs of the employer and the Australian Apprentice; Adhere to the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Programme Policy Guidelines and the Australian Apprenticeships Support Services Operating Guidelines; Refrain from making false or misleading statements to employers and Australian Apprentices in relation to eligibility for both Australian Government and State Government Australian Apprenticeships Incentives; Be easy to contact by telephone, facsimile and during normal business hours as well as maintain easily accessible premises; Respond quickly and accurately to requests for information; Treat and action complaints seriously and learn from them; Comply with all their obligations under law, including the Privacy Act 1998, the Freedom of Information Act 1982, and the Trade Practices Act 1974; Not seek or accept fees, benefits or advantages either directly or indirectly from employers, Australian Apprentices or other interested persons for services funded by the Australian Government; Make available to any interested persons details of the controls and arrangements put in place to manage conflict of interest matters where such conflicts exist; Maintain up-to-date knowledge in respect of all aspects of Australian Apprenticeships but particularly Training Packages available within industry sectors; and Ensure that a positive reputation and outlook for Australian Apprenticeships is promoted to State and Territory Training Authorities, other key stakeholders and the community. Compliance with the code Australian Apprenticeships Centres are bound to the Code of Conduct through their contract with the Australian Government (DEEWR). Australian Apprenticeships Centres must display a copy of the Code and ensure that all clients, including employers, Australian Apprentices and other interested persons are fully aware of it. call or visit 7

10 Other information Complaints Process Apprenticeship Solutions has developed an easily accessible complaints resolution process to deal with all complaints promptly and fairly. If you would like to make a complaint, query, or offer feedback, there are a number of things that you can do: Discuss your complaint with a Mission Australia staff member or the Manager of the Centre or Refer the complaint to a Mission Australia Apprenticeship Solutions Operations Manager, if you feel that the centre staff are unwilling or unable to deal with the problem. The centre staff will provide you with the contact details for the local Operations Manager. Alternatively, you may also wish to contact the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) on the Australian Apprenticeships Client Support Line on Issues that may be raised could include: Breaches of the Australian Apprenticeships Centres Code of Conduct; Breaches of privacy; Issues relating to the quality of services provided by Australian Apprenticeships Centres; Issues relating to conflict of interest. WORKPLACE RELATIONS Employers and employees (including Australian Apprentices) will need to ensure they are meeting their obligations under the appropriate state or federal workplace relations system. For more information on your obligations contact the Fair Work Infoline on or visit the website: Useful Contacts Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) Australian Apprenticeships Centres Job Services Australia Provider Listing Group Training Australia Centrelink call or visit

11 Where do i go if i have problems? If you are having problems at work and you need help, the first person you should speak to is your employer. Most problems can be resolved here open and honest communication is the key. However, if this does not resolve your issue, please call Mission Australia Apprenticeship Solutions on You can also contact your State Training Authority direct for further information and assistance, as follows: ACT Department of Education and Training NSW Department of Education and Training QLD sa WA vic Department of Education and Training department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology Department of Education and Training department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development Remember you can call us any time with questions and concerns on Disclaimer Locations of Mission Australia Apprenticeship Solutions ACT Belconnen NSW Albury Coffs Harbour Dubbo Orange Lismore Mayfield Parramatta Port Macquarie Nowra Tamworth Tweed Heads QLD SA WA Caboolture Chermside Coorparoo Bundaberg Gympie Hervey Bay Ipswich Kingaroy Maroochydore Maryborough Mount Gravatt Southport Toowoomba Warwick Adelaide Berri Whyalla Maddington Mission Australia has used reasonable endeavours to ensure that material in this document was correct at the time of printing. As details are subject to ongoing change, please contact your Apprenticeship Solutions consultant or call us on for current information. call or visit 9

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