Australian Apprenticeships – often called apprenticeships or traineeships – are a great learning pathway and are available across a wide range of industry sectors.
They are generally a three-way partnership between you as the employer, the employee and a Registered Training Organisation (TasTAFE) and are a structured training arrangement that offers opportunities for employees to train, study and earn an income at a variety of qualification levels.
Employees will typically spend time on-the-job working with you and also spend time training with TasTAFE’s experienced teachers. Depending on the course they are studying, their time at TasTAFE may be block training (for example, a two week period), or specific days, as agreed with you as the employer.
When your employee completes their training they will have a nationally recognised qualification.
More information is available from the Australian Apprenticeships website.
TasTAFE is Tasmania’s largest Registered Training Organisation, and largest public provider of vocational education and training in the state.
We offer a wide range of qualifications across many industries, as well as specific skill sets and short courses that can be customised to your business.
Our experienced and industry-relevant teaching staff are experts in their field and teach across over 30 industry areas. They have both industry competency and currency, and registration with the Teachers Registration Board, and are passionate in sharing their experience, skills and passion with TasTAFE students as the next generation of skilled employees
We also have a network of modern campuses and specialist training facilities across Tasmania and offer a wide range of support services to assist students in achieving their qualification.
When speaking with your Apprenticeship Network Provider, advise them that TasTAFE is your preferred Registered Training Organisation.
It doesn’t matter whether your prospective apprentice is a school leaver, re-entering the workforce, or is an adult wishing to change careers. Australian Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age and can be full-time, part-time or school-based.
All apprentices and trainees need to be employed before they can start their training course.
Australian Apprenticeships are available for anyone of working age.
There are a range of funding programs and subsidies available to support apprenticeship or trainee training in Australia.
Give us a call today and we can point you in the right direction, or check the Australian Government-funded Australian Apprenticeships Support Network (AASN) website to find a provider.
The AASN is a good first point of contact to provide information, funding advice and support to employers, apprentices and trainees to better navigate the apprenticeship and traineeship system.
Other relevant funding may be available through the following:
- Additional Identified Skills Shortage Payment – available to eligible new apprentices commencing from 1 July 2019 and their employers, in ten occupations experiencing national skills shortages. To check eligibility, see the employer incentives webpage. Existing workers and their employers are not eligible for the AISS payment.
- Subsidised training for existing workers – Skills Tasmania has made available a range of subsidised apprenticeships and traineeships for existing workers.
- Targeted Apprentice and Trainee Grant for Small Business program – this small business grants program is aimed at increasing the number of apprentices and trainees employed within small businesses in identified industries.
- Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme – is available for employers that pay payroll tax and employ eligible apprentices, trainees and youth employees in targeted business areas.
- Trade Support Loans – these are loans paid in instalments and can total up to $21,078 over the life of an Australian Apprenticeship. These loans are means tested and are intended to assist apprentices with everyday costs while they complete their apprenticeship. Eligible trade Australian Apprentices may apply (opt-in) for regular instalments according to their needs.
Governments also periodically release targeted programs to meet specific skill development needs. As example of this is the Tasmanian Government’s Workforce Development Grants. Selection criteria apply and funding for some programs is awarded through a competitive tender process.
TasTAFE has an excellent understanding of what is available and can work with you to take advantage of any support available that may suit your business needs.
Note – many apprentices are expected to purchase some or all of their tools. Policies differ between workplaces and therefore costs to employees also vary. You should explain any costs clearly in your recruitment process.
The length of training will vary according to the qualification selected and any prior skills and experience your employee may have.
Traineeships typically take between six months and two years to complete, whilst most trades take three to four years.
Australian Apprenticeships can be done on either a full-time or part-time basis.
It makes sense that employees should be recognised for the things they already know how to do.
TasTAFE can assess your employee’s existing skills and knowledge based on previous education, work history or life experience. This may help your staff gain their qualification a whole lot faster.