Hiring an apprentice or trainee can deliver numerous business benefits to your organisation, including the ability to fill skills gaps, access to the latest industry knowledge and better staff retention.
But you may be unsure of how to prepare the workplace for an apprentice or trainee if this is the first time you’ve embarked on this type of arrangement.
Visit BUSY At Work’s Apprenticeship Central website to gain access to resources, FAQs and tips that will guide you through the process of taking on a new apprentice or trainee. You can also search for and contact candidates in your area if you have a position that you’d like to fill at your organisation.
To help businesses and candidates entering into a training contract together, the government publishes the National Code of Good Practice for Australian apprenticeships. As an employer, here are some of your key obligations:
Abide by laws
The conditions of employment for apprentices and trainees should be the same as other staff working within your industry. In other words, you need to inform them of their working hours, personal leave and holiday allocations, and superannuation entitlements.
You must also adhere to the relevant federal, state and territory employment laws, including any that specifically relate to apprenticeships and traineeships.
You are responsible for helping develop a training plan.
>Supervise and support
Every apprentice and trainee should have access to a nominated workplace supervisor who acts in a mentorship or coaching role. This is especially important for people who have little previous work experience and may require more hands-on help.
Let apprentices and trainees know what further support is available within the organisation, and notify them of guidance they can receive through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and state or territory training authorities.
Ensure apprentice and trainee safety
Some apprentices and trainees will be working towards qualifications in hazardous industries, such as construction or mining. You must meet all work health and safety requirements, while also providing effective training and supervision to your new recruits that emphasises the importance of these issues.
As with all employees, you must also ensure the workplace is free of bullying, harassment and discrimination when bringing an apprentice or trainee on-board.
Training requirements
You have several obligations in this area, including filing training contract documentation with the right authorities, choosing an RTO and meeting apprentice and trainee enrolment deadlines.
Furthermore, you are responsible for helping develop a training plan and offering adequate support and facilities to enable apprentices and trainees to achieve their qualifications.
If you’d like to learn more about the apprenticeship and traineeship process, please contact BUSY At Work today.
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
