What is a traineeship?

Traineeships combine work with structured training and assessment, and include a contractual agreement made under relevant legislation. Traineeships are flexible work and training programs, which can be delivered entirely on the job (with the help of a Registered Training Organisation – RTO), or in combination with off the job training. This involves a formal training contract between the trainee and their employer.

What is an on-the-job traineeship?
	On-the-job traineeships are traineeships where all training and assessment takes place in the workplace. Usually this is achieved through the use of self-paced training packages and assessment services provided by the RTO, and training support provided by the workplace Supervisor.

How long is a traineeship?
	Traineeships vary from 1 year to 3 years. For example Certificate II Business runs for 1 year, and Certificate III, for 2 years. Part-time traineeships run proportionately longer, this depends on the amount of hours they work per week (check with your local Apprenticeship Center for more information).

Who is generally involved in the traineeship, and what part do they play?

Trainees – commit to work and learn in the workplace. Employers – provide learning in the workplace and support the trainee to complete their traineeship. Supervisors – are role models and coaches, and facilitate training for the trainee. Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) – develop a training plan, monitor the training an employer provides, provide training materials, assesses trainees and issue qualifications at the end of the traineeship period. New Apprenticeship Centres (NACs) – assist in establishing traineeships, clarifying eligibility, and the rights and responsibilities of trainees, employers, and RTOs. They can explain any State and Government incentives that may be due, and advise on the claiming process and other related issues such as cancellations and transfers. They also provide an ongoing monitoring and advisory service. Apprenticeship Centers STRONG> – register the traineeship, and monitor training arrangements. They offer mediation and dispute resolution services, and will issue a certificate of proficiency to the trainee upon completion of their traineeship (the end date of their contract). State Training Services (Recognition Services) – Approves and Monitors Traineeships on behalf of the State Government. It also approves Training Contracts, and provides certificates of proficiency to Trainees upon successful completion of the Traineeship. Phone 132 811, or go to https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/trainingmarket/ NTIS The National Training Information Service Developed by AQTF to provide access to current and emerging training market information and products in vocational education and training. Information provided includes VET accredited courses, competency standards, Training Packages and training providers. Go to http://www.ntis.gov.au/

How much do I pay a Trainee?

Trainees are generally paid under the National Training Wage (NTW), State Training Wage, or the appropriate Industry Training Award. For more information: <> For State Awards – contact NSW Department of Industrial Relations 131628 (www.dir.nsw.gov.au) For Federal Awards – contact Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business – Federal Award Wage Line 1300 363 264 (www.wagenet.gov.au)

Can only new employees be trainees?
	There are actually 2 types of trainee: New – employed continuously for less than 3 months full time, or less than 12 months casual/part-time Existing – employed continuously for more than 3 months full time, or more than 12 months casual/part-time

What is the difference between new and existing workers?

A New Worker has been employed by the current employer for less than 3 months fulltime or less than 12 months part time (working an average minimum of 15 hours per week). They may attract Commonwealth and NSW Government incentives. An Existing Worker is a permanent employee who has been employed by the current employer for more than 3 months, or more than 12 months as a part time or casual employee (working an average minimum of 15 hours per week). To attract Commonwealth Government Incentives, the traineeship must also be at a level III or IV be run over 2 years at a minimum.

How do I know my employee is eligible to be a trainee?

To be eligible to undertake the program, Trainees must: Be employed for the time specified for either New or Existing Trainees. Be an Australian citizens or hold Permanent Residency Status. Be a New Zealand passport holder resident in Australia for more than 6 months. Be a minimum of 14years and 9months of age (unless working in an industry that requires a higher age for legislative reasons such as OH&S or Alcohol and Gaming Services Regulations etc.) Not hold prior qualifications (as there are a lot of considerations to be made to determine prior qualifications status, including type of qualification, date, completion status etc. you should check with your DETNAC representative regarding this).

How old does a trainee have to be?

Trainees have to have completed Year 10 at school, and be at least 14 years and 9 months old. There is no maximum age. If Trainees are to work in industry with particular OH&S requirements they must be at least 16 years old, and to work in Hospitality in a licensed area they must be over 18 years old(N.B. this does not apply to staff in the kitchen, housekeeping or office areas of licensed premises).

What type of Incentives am I entitled to?

Financial assistance, administered by New Apprenticeships Centres (NACs), is available to employers from and Australian and state and territory governments. You must therefore apply for employer incentives via your chosen NAC who will provide you with application and claim forms and assistance in lodging claims and follow-up claims as and when they become due. Australian Government incentives may vary and change depending on government policy. Following is an overview of standard and special incentives that currently apply. Check with your local NAC to find out which Australian Government employer incentives you are eligible for.  1. Standard incentives are: Commencement incentive for Certificate II of $1,375 Commencement incentives for Certificate III and IV of $1,650 Recommencement incentive for employers recommencing an out-of-trade Certificate III/IV New Apprenticeship of $825 Completion incentives for Certificate III and IV of $2,750.   2. Special incentives include: Innovation - special commencement incentive of $1210 for an employer who employs New Apprentices (Certificate III/IV qualifications) in areas of innovation such as aero skills, telecommunications, laboratory operations, information technology and electro technology Additional commencement incentive of $825 for an employer who employs a New Apprentice in an endorsed School Based New Apprenticeship at Certificate II, III and IV Rural and Regional Skill Shortage special commencement incentive of $1100 for Certificate III and IV training in an occupation identified as a skills shortage in a non-metropolitan area Additional commencement and completion incentives of $825 each for employers who employ an eligible New Apprenctice who is a Mature Aged Worker. Additional commencement incentive for employers of $1100 who commence Women in Non-traditional New Apprenticeships Additional commencement and completion incentives of $1650 for employers who commence an eligible New Apprentice in an approved Sporting Operations Certificate II qualification Additional commencement and completion incentives of $1650 each for employers of eligible rural Certificate II New Apprentices who have a current "Exceptional Circumstances Drought Declared Area" certificate.   3. Other benefits: Assistance for New Apprentices with a disability including: wage support assistance for tutorial, interpreter and mentor services workplace modification assistance is available to the employer.

How is a traineeship established?

The employer nominates an employee for a traineeship (after checking with the NAC for suitability/eligibility). The NAC will organise a ‘sign up’ with the employer and trainee, where an ‘Apprenticeship/Traineeship Training Contract Form’ will be signed. A ‘Summary Training Form’, indicating the qualification and location of training, will be signed by the employer, trainee and RTO (this shows the beginning and end date of the Traineeship). These 2 forms are submitted by the NAC to DET for approval. A confirmation letter is sent to the employer once the traineeship is approved, and registered (and if any probationary period applies). A suitable full training plan should be developed by the RTO within 12 weeks of the commencement date. An Assessor/Trainer from the RTO will begin visiting the trainee.

What paperwork do I have to keep as an employer of Trainees?

Apprenticeship/Traineeship approval letter sent by DET once the Traineeship is approved. Copy of the Apprenticeship/Traineeship Training contract. Copy of the Full Training Plan. Records of time worked and wages paid. Results of on-the-job training undertaken by the trainee. This data collection is done in conjunction with the RTO, however as workplace supervisors are responsible for facilitating ongoing training in the workplace for the trainee; they also need to contribute information to this. Copy of industrial award or workplace agreement under which the trainee is employed. Hostec has implemented a series of innovative tools and reports to assist you with keeping records of on-the-job training and progress. Contact us for more information on this and how we can assist your supervisors to support their Trainees. To find out more on what a workplace supervisor can do to provide support, refer to “A Good Practice Guide for Workplace Supervisors of Trainees”.