EMPLOYFAST
Telephone: 1800 224 224
E-mail: employfast@cciwa.com

CCI EmployFAST is a Australian Apprenticeship Centre, contracted by the Federal Government to provide a range of free services to employers in relation to Apprenticeships and Traineeships, including:

• Advice and assistance to employers looking to take on an apprentice or trainee, including the training options available,
• Assistance with completion of Training Contracts
• Assistance with choice of Training Provider
• Assistance with accessing Government incentive payments,
• Liaising with relevant government bodies.

Generally Government incentives payments of up to $4000 are available to employers of apprentices and trainees.  In circumstances where the skills are in short supply or the apprentice or trainee is a Women in a non-traditional occupation, additional incentives may apply.

Unlike Apprenticeships Western Australia, which directly employs the apprentice or trainee and then contracts them to various host companies, CCI EmployFAST does not actually employ any apprentices or trainees, but rather, offers the above free services to employers who wish to directly employ their apprentices and trainees. 

The Aim of the Code
The aim of the Code is to ensure the delivery of high quality support service with high standards of ethical behaviour exhibited to all parties concerned.

The Code of Conduct
Australian Apprenticeships Centres will provide:

• accurate, current, 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 as they become available in each industry;
• their rights and obligations under Training Agreements 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;
• 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 successful completion of Australian Apprenticeships;
• advertising and information material that identifies the requirements of Australian Apprenticeships and is consistent with all Australian Government and State legal requirements and reflects truth, accuracy and good taste;
• a process through which employers, Australian Apprentices and other interested persons can notify inadequacies or problems in the delivery of Australian Apprenticeships Support Services.

In addition, Australian Apprenticeships Centres will provide to DEST accurate and complete information in relation to claims for payment under contractual arrangements and the determining of eligibility for Australian Apprenticeships Incentive 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.

In adhering to the Code of Conduct, 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 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 Incentive Programmes Policy and Administrative Guidelines when determining eligibility and processing claims for Australian Apprenticeships Incentives;
• 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 email during normal business hours as well as maintaining easily accessible premises;
• respond quickly and accurately to requests for information;
• treat complaints seriously and learn from them;
• comply with obligations under laws such as the Privacy Act 1988, 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 will be bound to the Code of Conduct through their contract with the Australian Government (DEST). Australian Apprenticeships Centres should display a copy of the Code and ensure that all employers, Australian Apprentices and other interested persons are fully aware of it.

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Australian Apprenticeships, which may be referred to as apprenticeships and traineeships in some States and Territories, offer many benefits to employers and Australian Apprentices. Employers can develop a Australian Apprentice who is trained to understand the specific requirements of their workplace and has the skills that match business objectives. Australian Apprentices have the chance to gain valuable work experience, develop skills and acquire a nationally recognised qualification.

This Code of Good Practice has been developed to assist both parties entering into a Training Contract with a clear understanding of each other's obligations and expectations.
A copy of this Code should be retained by the employer and the Australian Apprentice.

Both Parties

• 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 on the employer and the Australian Apprentice.
• Both parties enter into the employment and training arrangement with a commitment to mutual respect, honesty and fairness.
• Both parties agree to determine the qualification and the competencies that the Australian Apprentice is working to attain.
• Both parties have a clear understanding of their contractual obligations including the duration of the Training Contract. Both parties are clear about available dispute resolution avenues and understand what is required to terminate the Training Contract.

The Employer will:

Meet legal obligations

This involves:

• conforming with relevant Australian Government and State/Territory legislation, including that relating to Australian Apprenticeship arrangements.

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.
• 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.
• lodging Training Contract documentation with the relevant authorities, selecting a Registered Training Organisation and enrolling the Australian Apprentice within the timeframe determined by your State/Territory Training Authority.
• 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 off for off-the-job training).
• ensuring that a record of training is maintained.
• ensuring that the relevant authorities are notified on the 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 and could involve a coaching or mentoring arrangement, especially for Australian Apprentices with little experience of work.
• 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 their 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.
• providing comprehensive induction processes for commencing Australian Apprentices to ensure that they are aware, from the time of commencement, of the proposed training program, workplace safety requirements and their rights and responsibilities.

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.
• obtaining consent from a parent or guardian, if you are less than 18 years of age.

Be aware of and make a commitment to fulfil training responsibilities

This involves:

• making all reasonable efforts to achieve the competencies specified in the training plan and undertaking any training and assessment required.
• participating in the development of the training plan.
• attending training sessions or supervised workplace activities and taking advantage of learning opportunities.
• maintaining a record of training such as a training record book.

For further information and assistance
Australian Apprenticeships Centres in each State and Territory can provide further information on Australian Apprenticeships. Their contact details can be obtained by:

Calling: 1800 639 629
Or visiting: www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au

State and Territory Training Authorities can also provide further information.

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