Employing a trainee or apprentice carries a high level of responsibility. In addition to your usual obligations as an employer, you must comply with the terms of the
training contract and plan. You must provide your apprentice or trainee with:
- every opportunity to learn skills for their trade or vocation
- access to structured on or off-the-job training and assessment
- time off work to attend training
- benefits specified in the training contract or industrial arrangement - eg a tool allowance
- suitable facilities and a qualified and competent supervisor
- relevant wages and conditions.
Record-keeping and reporting
Employers are required to keep records and reports relevant to the apprenticeship or traineeship. These include:
- copies of the training contract and training plan and relevant approvals
- records of time worked and wages paid
- attendance at the registered training organisation (RTO)
- a copy of the award or workplace agreement under which the apprentice or trainee is employed
- all correspondence with Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services (TAS) or Training and Skills Commission.
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Training record
Employers must also have an up-to-date copy of the training record kept by their apprentice or trainee. An RTO can help with the record, which documents training progress and the skills and knowledge attained.
There is no set format for the record and it may be kept on paper or electronically.
Employers should also check with the RTO to make sure that their apprentice or trainee is attending off-the-job training and making satisfactory progress.
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Conditions of employment
Apprentices and trainees are entitled to the same conditions of employment as all other employees working in similar occupations. This includes:
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More information
On this site
Employing an apprentice or trainee
School-based training
Termination and suspension
Equal opportunity
Occupational health and safety
Improving skills
Other websites
SafeWork SA
WorkCover SA
Fair Work Australia