Apprentices
and trainees

Find out about Apprenticeships and Traineeships

---

General information about apprenticeships and traineeships, including whether this is the right option for you, can be found on Skilled Careers and Australian Apprenticeships Pathways. We can also assist you to understand the different aspects of the training system. An overview of key information relating to each sector is available below: Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) – the national regulator for Australia's VET sector, including international education. National VET register - the official VET register (training packages, qualifications, accredited courses, units of competency, skill sets and Registered Training Organisations). ​ Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) – the national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education, including international education. Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services (TAS) - responsible for the regulation of traineeships and apprenticeships in South Australia (Innovation and Skills Infoline 1800 673 097). Training and Skills Commission (State Training Authority) - provides independent advice about the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, including traineeship and apprenticeship guidelines. Industry Skills Councils were established from 1 January 2019 to provide recommendations on the skills and training needs of industry. Training and Skills Register - a state register of employers approved to undertake training contracts with apprentices and trainees. Australian Apprenticeships Pathways - find out about how to employ an apprentice or trainee, who is involved, financial support and step by step guides.

---

Advocacy and Mediation

---

If you do encounter any problems or difficulties as an apprentice or trainee in your workplace or during your training, we can provide you with support aimed at getting you back on track.

It is often easier to deal with a problem as soon as it arises to prevent the issue escalating further. We can provide you with advice to help you to try and directly resolve the situation or we may be able to speak to someone on your behalf to raise the issue.

Steps to help you resolve a concern:

• Identify the exact issue and be clear about what outcome you are seeking
• Check the rules and gather any documents or information that support your concerns
• Be up-front and try to raise the concern with someone from your workplace or training provider and consider whether a meeting would be helpful. It is important to remain objective and take a support person if needed
• If needed, outline the issue in writing and check whether the organisation has an internal complaints procedure
• Keep a record of what actions you have taken and any correspondence about the issue

If there is a grievance or dispute during your apprenticeship or traineeship, we may be able to assist you and your employer reach an agreement through our confidential and free mediation service.

If the situation is not able to be resolved, apprenticeship and traineeship matters can be referred to the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET).

---

Help to lodge a grievance or dispute with the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET)

---

Under the South Australian traineeship and apprenticeship system the SAET is the appropriate agency to deal with any grievances or disputes which cannot be resolved between employers and apprentices or trainees.

We can assist apprentices and trainees to understand the SAET processes, we can also support apprentices and trainees to prepare their information and attend the SAET.

• SAET fact sheet - Employers (PDF)

• SAET fact sheet - Trainees and Apprentices (PDF)

Find out more about SAET.

---

Training contract

---

• Your employer must be registered to employ apprentices. This is approved by Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services. To find out more, download 'Employer registration to train apprentices or trainees' guidelines.

• Your signed training contract will include the duration of your apprenticeship or traineeship including the probationary period. This is important information as there are different rules about cancelling the training contract outside of the nominated probationary period.

• If you or your employer wish to make any changes to your contract, you both need to fill in an application form and agree to make any changes to the training contract. The application will need to be approved by Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services before any variation comes into effect. This includes applying for an extension to your training contract end date or if you are seeking to transfer to a different training provider or employer. More information about making changes to your training contract can be found on the Skilled Careers.

• Employers, apprentices and trainees should be clear about the supervision and on-the-job training requirements throughout the training contract. Both parties should be clear about their obligations under the contract. If you are unsure, contact the Innovation and Skills Infoline on 1800 673 097.

---

Course information

---

• You must have a Training Plan that is agreed to by you, your employer and your nominated Registered Training Organisation and attend training on the scheduled dates

• Prior to your enrolment, you and your employer will need to discuss whether your study will be assessed in the classroom and/ or in your workplace

• Check whether you or your employer will be responsible for payment of the course tuition fees (often this will be outlined in your award). If you need help, contact us on 1800 006 488

• Find out about Travel and Accommodation Allowances available for apprentices and trainees travelling to and from study if you attend classes. For more information, visit the Skilled Careers.

• If you want to find out what to expect from your Registered Training Organisation, please visit Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)

• If you have previously completed a qualification talk to your Registered Training Organisation about recognition of prior learning or credit to reduce the amount of study you may need to complete under your apprenticeship or traineeship

• Ensure you retain a copy of your enrolment agreement, the course you enrol within must match the course identified on your Training Contact and Training Plan

• You are entitled to receive a copy of your course results. Talk to your Registered Training Organisation if you need a copy of your results or check your Unique Student Identifier record

---

Employment conditions

---

• Each industry and occupation has its own Award that sets out minimum employment conditions. Not all employers operate under an Award – some may be covered by an agreement or legislation.

• Your training contract will state the Award or agreement you are employed under. Ask your employer for a copy of your Award or agreement to ensure you understand the pay and conditions that apply to your situation.

• It is important that you know what to expect in your employment such as local business practices and WHS obligations. Ask your employer if you need further information. The guide for young workers may also assist in outlining some areas to consider. More information and resources can be found on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

• Your pay slip is a record of the wages you are paid and other entitlements (payslips, leave, allowances and superannuation). Access the Pay and Conditions Tool (Fair Work Ombudsman) to check your pay rates.

• Your welfare is important. Find out information about safety and bullying on the Safe Work Australia website.

---

Awards and recognition

---

Your apprenticeship or traineeship could provide you with an opportunity to gain state or national recognition of your achievements through various awards or competitions, including:

• South Australian Training Awards presented by the Training and Skills Commission

• Australian Training Awards presented by the Australian Government

• Skills Show Australia presented by Worldskills Australia

Talk to your employer about how you can get involved.

---