No matter what your business, investing in an apprentice or trainee can bring real rewards. Your staff will develop skills and knowledge akin to the needs and requirements of your business with access to flexible training solutions and nationally recognised qualifications.
Benefits of hiring an apprentice
The Australian Government offers a range of incentives for eligible employers of apprentices and/or trainees, particularly in areas of recognised skills shortages.
But aside from the financial incentives, there are many benefits to hiring a trainee or apprentice:
- Secure trained talent for the future
Reduce the risk of falling victim to possible future workforce skills shortages by hiring an apprentice or trainee that you can train your way from the ground up. They’ll also bring new knowledge and skills to your business, ensuring you and your staff are keeping up with the times.
- Be a smooth operator
Increase your productivity and efficiency by having staff who know and understand how your business works. Also, staff who are invested in your business are more likely to remain loyal to you, meaning less staff turnover and recruitment costs.
- Pay it forward
Employing an apprentice or trainee isn’t all about you. By employing an apprentice or trainee, you’re supporting future generations to grow skills and develop a love of the industry while allowing experienced staff in your business to gain access to mentoring opportunities.
Financial assistance for employers of apprentices
There are several options for financial assistance from the Australian Government currently available to eligible employers of apprentices. Each incentive payment has several eligibility criteria that will be assessed by an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (Apprenticeship Network) provider.
For information on the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program please visit or contact your local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network.
More information
For more information about apprenticeship and traineeship programs at TAFE Gippsland please contact your local campus.
Apprenticeship Support Officer Program
Apprenticeship Support Officers (ASOs) are available to provide valuable assistance to registered apprentices and their employers. These officers offer a free and confidential service, enabling apprentices to get help with any workplace, training, or personal issues that may be affecting them. They can provide support via phone, email, or text, and can also make workplace visits or offer more extended support if necessary. Here are some of the areas where ASOs can offer assistance:
- Wages, incentives, entitlements, and superannuation.
- Training contract obligations, including release for training
- Safety concerns and adequate supervision of apprentices
- Dealing with Harassment in the workplace- Bullying & discrimination
- Schooling challenges, such as enrolment, obtaining learning support and assistance with keeping on track.
- Financial issues, such as being unable to pay tuition fees
- Accessing relevant support services, such as disability resources
- Experiencing extended periods of "downtime" or facing unemployment
- Connect apprentices with employment services, financial counselling and local health services.
- Completion issues and enquiries
If you wish to connect with an Apprenticeship Support Officer Directly: Call the ASO Hotline on 1300 311 820, or email apprenticeship.support.case@ecodev.vic.gov.au