Apprentices
and trainees

Find out about Apprenticeships and Traineeships

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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.

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Advocacy and Mediation

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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).

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

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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