Employers

Tailored advice to support you employ an apprentice or trainee or help you get involved in training.

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COVID-19 resources for employers:

 

For help with crisis support and understanding the financial assistance you may be eligible for please go to: https://business.sa.gov.au/COVID-19-business-information-and-support.

 

Additional information is available at https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/

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For up to date information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Australia, visit COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace.

We recognise that running your business takes a lot of time and that there is a large volume of information available about training programs, including apprenticeships and traineeships, so let us help you. 

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What training is right for your business?
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There can be several aspects to consider including the terms and conditions of the training contract with your apprentice or trainee, State and/or national regulatory requirements, commercial arrangements and information about the right course, qualification or apprenticeship or traineeship for your business needs.

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Information to assist you or your staff to gain new skills or a nationally recognised qualification is available on the Skilled Careers.

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How we can help you

 

Our role is to provide a free and confidential advisory service to employers to help guide you through the training system or help you to connect to key industry stakeholders and gain access to the most current information relevant to your business needs.

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We can provide you with information about:

  • obligations of employers, apprentices or trainees in South Australia

  • the terms and conditions of a training contract, including access to resources and guides to assist you in the workplace

  • how and where to get started if you are considering employing an apprentice or trainee

  • how and where to locate course information

  • what financial assistance may be available to your staff

  • conflict resolution and workplace mentoring

  • mediation

 

Contact us to find out more.

Support during your Apprenticeship or Traineeship

Find out about the training system

General information about employing an apprentice or trainee, including whether this might be the right option for you, can be found on the Skilled Careers website . We can assist you to understand and navigate the different aspects of the training system. Call us if you would like further information or assistance. An overview of key resources and agencies 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) or email dis.skills@sa.gov.au. 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. Adult and Community Education - community learning programs that support members of the community to increase employability opportunities or life skills.



Dispute Resolution

We can also respond to concerns or complaints you may have about the training system.

Our services include:

  • mediation and negotiation to help resolve disputes between your business, a training provider or an apprentice or trainee to support training contract completions

  • tailored advice on how to deal with problems that might arise from a training program, including training associated to an apprenticeship or traineeship

  • information about the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET) process for traineeships and apprenticeships if an issue cannot be resolved. More information about the role of the SAET can be found on their website.

If you have experienced barriers or challenges in employing an apprentice or trainee, we would like to hear from you to assist us to improve the system.

Contact us to find out more on 1800 006 488.

Other Helpful Resources:

Small Business Commission of South Australia

Fair Work Ombudsman - Help for Small Business

Department for Innovation and Skills - Information for Business



Tips to help registered employers when employing a trainee or apprentice

We aim to help you to have a positive training experience and a successful apprenticeship, so when employing a trainee or apprentice, these are some of the key points and resources to consider:

Training Contract

  • check the probationary period for the training contract as this may differ from other employee arrangements

  • are you aware there are different rules to cancel the training contract outside of the probationary period?

  • do you know how to make changes to your training contract, such as extensions?

  • have you talked to the prospective apprentice or trainee about whether they have any prior experience or formal qualifications?

  • make sure you know your obligations to supervise and train an apprentice or trainee on-the-job and have processes in place to manage their performance under the training contract

Helpful Resources:

Industrial Arrangements

  • know your employer responsibilities in relation to wages, entitlements, payslips, superannuation and WHS

  • have you checked your Award or industrial agreement to know your obligations for the payment of training fees for apprentices and trainees?

  • help your apprentice or trainee to understand your local workplace practices, such as how to apply for leave, use of business equipment and what to expect during the apprenticeship or traineeship

More Information:

Course Requirements

  • have you talked to the nominated Registered Training Organisation about your role in monitoring and supporting your apprentice or trainee?

  • have you all agreed to the Training Plan?

  • discuss with your apprentice or trainee how their course of study will be assessed by the Registered Training Organisation, whether in the classroom or in your workplace

Contact us for help with any of these matters.



Find out about employing an apprentice or trainee

If you are considering employing an apprentice or trainee for the first time, or you are a current registered employer, we can assist you to achieve a successful apprenticeship outcome.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships are under a training contract agreed to by:

  • a trainee or apprentice (a parent or guardian may also be a party to the contract if the apprentice or trainee is under 18)

  • a registered employer

  • a Registered Training Organisation (to develop an agreed Training Plan).

To employ an apprentice or trainee you must be a registered employer. This means that you must be registered with the State Government, Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services. A step by step guide on how to employ an apprentice can be found here: Need assistance? We can provide you with information about:
  • Who does what under an apprenticeship or traineeship
  • How to find out about financial assistance and access wage advice
  • What you need to know about employing an apprentice / trainee
  • Independent help and support available to you to deal with any problems that occur during the life of the training contract both on and off-the-job

Awards and recognition for businesses

Did you know that there are State and national awards for businesses to be recognised for high level achievement and their contribution to the training sector, including: