Information for Employers

Training is conducted following the approved training plan specifically created for apprentices and trainees. This plan outlines both ‘on-the-job’ and ‘off-the-job’ training, ensuring that employers and apprentices or trainees have documented details regarding training and assessment requirements.

The Training Plan is developed by TAFE Gippsland, together with the employer, and the apprentice or trainee. It serves as a live document that tracks progress and records achieved competencies in relation to the training contract. Training plans are required to be signed by all parties prior to the commencement of training.

Amendments to the training plan can be made during the delivery or assessment period as needed. A copy of the training plan will be provided to both the employer and the apprentice or trainee before training begins.

Your apprentice or trainee can progress through their apprenticeship or traineeship at a rate that reflects their skills development, rather than a specific timeframe.

How competency-based progression and completion works

• When the apprentice is marked as competent, they have demonstrated the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for their job.
• This demonstration must occur both in the workplace and off the job (TAFE Gippsland).
• Employer confirmation of competency sign off must be in writing.
• The apprentice must consistently meet the required standards in order to be marked as competent.
• Signing off competencies in the Training plan
• The employer must provide written confirmation that they understand their confirmation of the final competencies will end the apprenticeship.
• The apprenticeship is considered complete once the TAFE Gippsland receives written confirmation from the employer that the apprentice has demonstrated any remaining competencies.
• The final confirmation can be in any form, including the employer signing off on the Training Plan.

Apprenticeship end date

The contract's official end date is the date the employer confirms in writing that the apprentice has shown the necessary competencies for the qualification in the workplace.

If the apprentice needs extra time to achieve competency, all parties can agree to extend the contract beyond the nominal duration.

It is possible to complete an apprenticeship early, if you and TAFE Gippsland both decide that your apprentice is demonstrating all the necessary competencies.

Please discuss with you TAFE Gippsland directly.

Your responsibilities to apprentices and trainees include:

• Providing proper training
• Ensuring enrolment with a registered training organisation within 3 months
• Paying and allowing time for training
• Providing experienced personnel and appropriate facilities
• Tracking progress against the training plan
• Complying with training scheme standards

You must also offer on-the-job training that:

• Teaches necessary skills for their trade
• Is conducted by a qualified instructor
• Includes hands-on experience with relevant tools and tasks.

Supervision

Effective supervision is vital for the success of apprentices and trainees.

Providing the right support and guidance to your apprentice or trainee during their apprenticeship or traineeship is essential. Workplace supervision plays a key role in helping apprentices or trainees develop competence in their selected trade or profession, enabling them to work safely, confidently, and effectively.

Find out more information on supervising your apprentice or trainee.

Australian workplace laws

The Fair Work Ombudsman's website offers tools and lists of awards applicable to all industries. It provides valuable information regarding the minimum wage and the specific conditions you are entitled to in your workplace. Legally, you must have a copy of the relevant award or agreement. If you have any questions about pay and conditions, feel free to reach out to the Fair Work Ombudsman by calling 13 13 94.

Applications for a refund of fees are processed in line with TAFE Gippsland policy.

Tuition and student service fees will be refunded only under the following conditions:

• Apprentice/Trainee initiated withdrawals within four weeks of training commencement – Full refund of units not yet commenced less: * Charge for materials already utilised
• Apprentice/Trainee initiated withdrawals four weeks or more after training has commenced in the current year- No refund of tuition fees: * Charge for materials already utilised

It is a requirement that all students complete their enrolment documentation and pay for the course and material fees before the training commences.

The Victorian Training Guarantee entitles a student to a government-subsidised place in an accredited vocational education and training course, subject to eligibility guidelines. Students who are not eligible may choose to undertake fee for service training.

Fees can be made up of one or more of the following:

• tuition fees associated with the teaching and training elements of a course
• materials fees that cover course materials and consumables, and excursion fees.
• textbooks and stationery.

Fee for service fees are commercial rates calculated at a flat rate per course/unit
enrolled.

If you are paying for your apprentice/trainee, we will send you an Authority to Invoice form to complete the enrolment process. For more information on apprentice/trainee entitlements for Training costs – fees and textbooks, please visit the Fair work website.

If your apprentice/trainee is eligible for a Health Care Card, they may receive reduced tuition fees that can be applied to the whole duration of their training for their apprenticeship/traineeship.

Instalment arrangements

Payment Plans are available to students enrolling in a Certificate IV or below course, or for Diploma and above government-subsidised materials fees only.

• Students are required to pay an upfront, 10% deposit on commencement of the payment plan.
• Minimum payment is $50 per fortnight Materials only payment plans must be more than $250.00
• All fees must be finalised within six (6) months of course commencement, or at the end of the course, whichever is sooner.
• Students need to provide the relevant bank account details of the account to be direct debited.
• If the account to be direct debited IS NOT your own, the account holder must read and sign the direct debit declaration section on the instalment arrangement application.
• Students under the age of 18 years must have the instalment arrangement form signed by a parent or guardian.

Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Programme

There are a number of incentives currently available to eligible employers of Australian Apprentices as well as personal benefit payments available to eligible Australian Apprentices.

For information on the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Programme please visit:
www.business.gov.au/assistance/australian-apprenticeships-incentivesprogramme or contact your local Australian Apprenticeship Centre.

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

Apprentice Connect Australia Providers

Apprentice Connect Australia Providers (ACAPs) deliver advice and support to both apprentices and employers, starting from before the apprenticeship begins and continuing until its completion.

For information on the Apprentice Connect Australia Provider’s please visit:

Apprentice Connect Australia Provider

Apprenticeship Team

To maintain service consistency and streamline communication, TAFE Gippsland has allocated a dedicated apprenticeship team just for you. The apprenticeship team aims to ensure that stakeholders enjoy a positive experience and benefit from a unified point of contact throughout the entire training period.

To reach out to the apprenticeship team, you can call 03 5142 2411 or email apprenticeships@tafegippsland.edu.au