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Apprenticeships are a cornerstone of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system, offering a structured pathway for individuals to gain nationally recognised qualifications while working. For employers, apprenticeships are a strategic way to build a skilled workforce, pass on industry knowledge, and contribute to the development of future tradespeople. 

Apprenticeships typically last between 3 to 4 years, depending on the trade and qualification level, and are available across a wide range of industries including construction, manufacturing, automotive, and more. 

Successful apprenticeships rely on a strong partnership between the Employer, the Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and the Apprentice. 

The Apprenticeship Relationship Triangle 

1. Employer 
   Provides paid employment, supervision, and on-the-job training aligned with the apprentice’s qualification, training plan requirements and workplace requirements, Signs off on the apprentice’s progress and ensures competency to industry standards. 
2. Registered Training Organisation (RTO) 
   Delivers formal training and assessment, develops the Training Plan, and ensures the apprentice meets competency standards. 
3. Apprentice 
   Engages in both work and study, maintains training records, and commits to ongoing learning and skill development. 

Training Contract vs. Training Plan 
The Training Contract is the legally binding agreement between the employer and apprentice, registered with the relevant State or Territory Training Authority. It outlines  the apprenticeship specific employment terms, probation period (separate from the employment contracts probationary period), and mutual responsibilities. It must be signed and lodged within 14 days of the apprenticeship commencing by the employer and apprentice (or guardian if under 18years) and is completed by the ACAP (Apprentice Connect Australia Provider) on “sign up”.

The Training Plan is a working document developed by the RTO in consultation with the employer and apprentice. It details: 

• Units of competency 
• Training delivery methods (on/off-the-job) 
• Assessment timelines 
• Support services required 

And is used as the communication tool between the employer and RTO when signing off on the apprentice’s competency progress towards their qualification. The Training Plan must be completed within 3 months of the registration of the training contract. At minimum the Training plan must be reviewed by the RTO, Employer and Apprentice two times per year. 

Governing Bodies by State 

Each state and territory has its own State Training Authority (STA) responsible for regulating apprenticeships: 

These bodies oversee registration, compliance, and dispute resolution. 

What are my responsibilities as an employer? 

As an employer you play a critical role in the success of you apprentices as they navigate training. As an employer your key responsibilities include: 

• Legal Compliance: Adhere to employment laws, awards, and safety regulations.
• Safe Workplace: Provide a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. 
• Structured Training Support: 
  Select and liaise with an RTO
  Participate in developing the Training Plan
  Release apprentices for off-the-job training and pay them accordingly 
  Maintain and review training records every 3 months 
• Mentorship: Offer supervision, feedback, and guidance.

What are my Apprentices Responsibilities? 

Apprentices are expected to: 

Engage in Training: 

• Attend scheduled RTO training sessions
• Complete assignments and assessments
• Update their training record regularly 

 Workplace Conduct: 

• Follow lawful instructions
• Adhere to workplace policies and procedures 
• Respect workplace property and culture 

Communication: 

• Notify supervisors and RTO of absences
• Report issues or delays in training
• Keep personal details up to date with Training Services 

Support and education for Employers 

Is an apprentice the right move for your business? 

Hiring an apprentice can be a game-changer for your workforce strategy. It’s a chance to build capability from the ground up, shape future talent, and contribute to industry development. But like any strategic decision, it comes with responsibilities and considerations that need to be weighed carefully. 

Whether you’re a small business looking to grow or a large organisation aiming to strengthen your pipeline, here are the key things to consider before bringing an apprentice on board. 

1. Do You Have the Right Support Network?
   Apprenticeship success hinges on the support systems you have in place. Apprentices are learning on the job, often with little to no prior experience, so they’ll need guidance, encouragement, and structure. 

Ask yourself: 

• Do you have experienced team members who can mentor and coach?
• Is your HR or training team equipped to manage the administrative and compliance aspects?
• Are there external partners (like RTOs or Group Training Organisations) you can lean on? 

A strong support network doesn’t just help the apprentice it also eases the strain on the business and ensures the experience is positive for everyone involved. 

1. Are Your Supervisors Ready?
   Not every great worker makes a great trainer. Supervising an apprentice requires patience, communication skills, and a genuine interest in developing others. 

Things to consider: 

• Does your supervisor understand the training requirements and expectations?
• Are they willing to invest time in coaching and feedback?
• Do they have the capacity to balance supervision with their own workload? 

It’s worth investing in supervisor training or development programs to set them up for success. After all, the quality of supervision can make or break the apprenticeship experience. 

Final Thoughts 

At Jessie Grace we feel that apprenticeships are more than just employment, they’re a partnership built on mutual respect, shared goals, and structured learning. When employers, RTOs, and apprentices work together effectively, the result is a skilled, confident worker ready to contribute meaningfully to their industry. 

If you’re considering hiring an apprentice or want to improve your current program, reach out to Jessie Grace or your local Apprentice Connect Australia Provider for guidance and support.