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

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.
What training is right for your business?
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.
Information to assist you or your staff to gain new skills or a nationally recognised qualification is available on the Skilled Careers.
Support during your Apprenticeship or Traineeship
Find out about the training system
Dispute Resolution
We can also respond to concerns or complaints you may have about the training system.
Our services include:
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mediation and negotiation to help resolve disputes between your business, a training provider or an apprentice or trainee to support training contract completions
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tailored advice on how to deal with problems that might arise from a training program, including training associated to an apprenticeship or traineeship
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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
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check the probationary period for the training contract as this may differ from other employee arrangements
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are you aware there are different rules to cancel the training contract outside of the probationary period?
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do you know how to make changes to your training contract, such as extensions?
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have you talked to the prospective apprentice or trainee about whether they have any prior experience or formal qualifications?
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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
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know your employer responsibilities in relation to wages, entitlements, payslips, superannuation and WHS
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have you checked your Award or industrial agreement to know your obligations for the payment of training fees for apprentices and trainees?
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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:
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ask your Australian Apprenticeship Network Provider
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speak with your employer association
Course Requirements
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have you talked to the nominated Registered Training Organisation about your role in monitoring and supporting your apprentice or trainee?
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have you all agreed to the Training Plan?
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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:
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a trainee or apprentice (a parent or guardian may also be a party to the contract if the apprentice or trainee is under 18)
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a registered employer
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a Registered Training Organisation (to develop an agreed Training Plan).
- 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:
- South Australian Training Awards presented by the Training and Skills Commission
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Australian Training Awards presented by the Australian Government