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Both are formalised, employment-based, training arrangements that combine real work with study for a qualification. Learning is through a combination of off and on the job training. As well as working with and receiving on the job training from an employer, apprentices and trainees participate in training and assessment through a Registered Training Organisation (such as a TAFE).

 

Traineeships are the same as Apprenticeships, although they tend to cover newer occupations, be shorter and have different Industrial Award provisions.  Salaries, penalty rates and allowances also depend on the Industrial Award.  For more information on Apprentices and trainees click here.  

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What can apprenticeships do for your business?

A growing number of businesses use apprenticeships to:

• train future workers and supervisors

• develop productive workers in a short space of time

• recognise and build on the skills of existing workers

• train new staff to do things the way the business does

• develop loyal and motivated employees

• create employment opportunities for young people in the local community.

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What are the requirements?

• Can be done by anyone who is of working age. They can be undertaken full-time or part-time (usually at least 15 hours per week) and can often be undertaken by school students;

• Cannot be done on a casual employment basis. Traineeships require a commitment to ongoing employment for the duration of the training contract. But they can be completed early if all parties agree;

• Need to be underpinned by a formal Industrial Arrangement (eg Award) for pay and conditions; and 

• Require a skilled workplace supervisor and on the job trainer. The on-the-job trainer doesn't have to be qualified but they do need to be reasonably skilled.

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What is available?

There are over 800 apprenticeships and traineeship available in WA. An Apprentice Connect Australia Provider can assist you to find the right one.

 

Apprenticeships and Traineeships must be approved by the WA Minister for Training. The Register of Class A and B qualifications is the easiest way to search for them. All apprenticeships and Traineeships are underpinned by a nationally recognised qualification. 

 

Costs

The WA Government subsides the training of new employee Traineeships, all apprenticeships and some existing worker Traineeships. Student fees, that are usually met by the employer, are payable.

 

Course Fees are dependent on the level of qualification and industry area.  Some courses attract the Lower Fees, Local Skills Initiative as they are considered priority areas for WA.  

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Incentives

Financial incentives are provided by the Western Australian and Commonwealth Governments to help businesses with the cost of taking on a new employee, apprentice or trainee. Multiple incentives can apply, so please contact the agency providing the incentive or a Jobs and Skills Centre to discuss your situation.

 

Here are two helpful documents that outline what incentives are available:

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FACT SHEET Incentives and wage subsidies for employers of apprentices and trainees

FACT SHEET Financial support for apprentices and trainees

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A new employee is one that has not been employed for more than 3 months full time or 12 months part time. New employee trainees completing a training contract are eligible to progress to a higher-level Traineeship with the same employer but must enter into the new Training Contract within three months of the completion date of the first Traineeship.

 

Interested in employing an apprentice?

Apprentice Connect Australia Providers are contracted by the Australian Government to support employers, help find apprentices and trainees, undertake the Training Contract signup and registration and administer any Australian Government Employer Incentive payments.

 

In WA, contact any one of the following for help, advice on incentives or to arrange signup:

• Apprenticeship Support Australia on 1300 363 831 or http://www.apprenticeshipsupport.com.au

• Busy at Work on 13 BUSY (13 28 79) or https://busyatwork.com.au/apprenticeships-traineeships

• MEGT Perth on 13 MEGT (13 63 48) or http://www.megt.com.au

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