What is an Australian Apprenticeship?
"Australian Apprenticeships" is the Australian Government's collective term for apprenticeships and traineeships.
An apprenticeship is a structured training agreement that combines practical experience at work with complementary off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Apprenticeships are available in traditional trades and usually take 3.5 to 4 years full time to complete. Successful completion leads to a nationally recognised qualification as a tradesperson.
Traineeships are found primarily in non-trade occupations such as retail, finance, health care and transport and are usually completed over 1 to 2 years full-time.
There are more than 80 apprenticeships and 400 traineeships available in 16 industries and most can be undertaken on a full time or part time basis, while many can also be started at school. Visit www.apprenticentre.wa.gov.au to a complete list of apprenticeships and traineeships available.
Australian Apprenticeships: What you need to know Fact Sheet
Why employ Australian Apprenticeships in your business
There are a number of benefits to investing in developing the skills of your workforce
- up to $4,000 in Australian Government employer incentives
- access to Government funded training for new employees
- encourage staff retention by offering development opportunities through nationally recognised qualifications
- create more valuable staff members who can immediately apply what they've learned in the workplace
Australian Apprenticeships: Getting Started Fact Sheet
What are Group Training Organisations?
Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employ Australian Apprentices, and then hire them out to 'host employers'. Each GTO is an independent and separately incorporated, not-for-profit organisation. It recoups its costs through financial support from Australian, state and territory governments and a minimal charge to host employers.
GTOs take responsibility for:
- selecting and recruiting an Australian Apprentice to suit your business
- employment arrangements such as wages, allowances, superannuation, workers' compensation, sick/holiday pay and other employee entitlements
- arranging and monitoring the on and off-the-job training
- any management issues arising from the employment of Australian Apprentices including coaching and mentoring
GTOs can also ensure each Australian Apprentice receives a broad range of training and experience by rotating, where necessary, the Australian Apprentice from business to business.
To find out more about Australian Apprenticeships visit CCI's Group Training Organisation Apprenticeships Australia or http://grouptraining.ntis.gov.au/
What Incentives are available to you?
There are a number of incentives available to employers who choose to take on an apprentice or trainee. These incentives are listed below:
- Apprenticeship or traineeship commencement and completion
- Mature Aged apprentice or trainee
- Apprentice or trainee with a disability
- School-based apprentice or trainee
- Apprentice or trainee in rural and regional skills shortage area
- Apprentice or trainee in declared drought area.
For more information on these incentives, see attachment below.
Incentives Fact Sheet
Click here for further information on the Australian Government Australian Apprenticeships Incentive Program.
For information on Apprenticeships and Traineeships within WA contact the Education and Training Adviser here or see the Australian Apprenticeship Employer Guide.