Frequently Asked Questions
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Community Development
Traineeships - For Employees
- Can a training contract be cancelled?
- Cancellation should be considered a last resort, particularly in cases where there may be difficulties between the parties and/or the RTO.
Either party to the training contract - employer or employee - can request cancellation of the contract. If the Traineeship is still within the stipulated probationary period, the contract can be legally cancelled by either party in accordance with the award. The WA government's ATSN can provide assistance to resolve issues and ensure a successful completion of the training contract. It is important that discussion between the parties takes place prior to cancellation.
- Do I have to attend any off the job training?
- This is agreed with you, your employer and the Registered Training Organisation.
- How long is a Traineeship?
- Certificate II is concluded in one year. Certificate II & III in two years. Certificate III & IV in one to two years (fulltime - depending on the traineeship)
- Is the qualification recognized Nationally?
- Yes! The State Training Authority will issue your qualification.
- What is the difference between Traineeships and Apprenticeships?
- Yes.
Apprenticeships are trade orientated, and over a 3 to 4 year period. Wages are a percentage of a tradesperson's wage.
Traineeships: A Traineeship can be in a trade or a non-trade related occupation. Usually running for a 1 to 2 year period. Wages vary. - What rate of pay will I received?
- The rate can vary, so it is best to confirm with Wageline. The wage line number is 1300 655 266, they will help with all wage enquiries.
- What training takes place and when?
- Usually the training is performed “on the job”, it takes place through the whole of the Traineeship
- When does the off-the-job training commence?
- Schedules for off-the-job training vary for each traineeship. The RTO will notify you shortly before training is due to take place. Contact your allocated Apprenticeship and Traineeship Support Network Support Officer for further assistance, should you have any queries about the commencement of off-the-job training.
- Which traineeship am I in?
- Your signed copy of the training agreement states the title of the traineeship that you are undertaking. If in doubt, please talk to either your employer or your allocated Apprenticeship and Traineeship Support Network Officer.
- Which Training organisation do I attend?
- The Department of Education and Training now has a user choice policy for off-the-job training in place, and will send each new apprentice and their employer a list of providers contracted to deliver the particular course related to the apprenticeship. From this list, the employer and apprentice discuss training requirements and reach agreement on the selection of a provider. Another registered provider may be chosen but the employer will be responsible for all delivery costs
- Who pays for the training?
- Training fees are the responsibility of the Trainee, although employers do offer to pay some, or all of the fee.
- Who pays the RTO/TAFE fees - The employer or the Trainee?
- The Trainee is responsible for payment of RTO fees. However, employers may choose to pay the fees for their Trainee from the incentives they receive.
Traineeships - For Employers
- Can I employ a Trainee in the Traineeship of my choice?
- Yes - however, your organisation must be approved by the ATSN. Contact Jobs West on 9209 4300 to start a Traineeship.
- Do I get incentives?
- Incentives are assessed on individual basis, but most employers are eligible.
- How much are the incentives and when are they paid?
- Incentives vary, but the standard payments are: $1,375 for Certificate II commencement; $1,650 for Certificates III or IV commencement; $2,750 on completion of Certificate III (all incentives are subject to eligibility criteria).
There are additional incentives to encourage greater access for some groups of people, including Indigenous Australians, people with a disability, women in a non-traditional industry and School Based Trainees. All incentives are GST inc. prior to 30 June 2005. From 1 July 2005, GST is removed from incentives. - How will I know when to claim my incentives?
- Use the claim form provided in the Traineeship pack from your Australian Apprenticeship Centre. Send it in to your Australian Apprenticeship Centre after 3-month probation period.
- Is the employer required to pay wages when a trainee attends the off-the-job training?
- Yes - a trainee receives the prescribed wage, irrespective of whether they are attending the off-the-job training or are at the workplace. In the case of Trainees/part-time workers – No, if it is on their day off.
- Is the probation period included in the term of a Traineeship?
- Yes - the three-month probationary period is included in the term of the Traineeship. The formal probationary period begins upon the signing up of the Trainee. Some employers choose to have an informal probation period before signing up (this is not included in the term of the Traineeship).
- My Trainee wants to transfer, but I do not wish to agree to this - where do I stand?
- Traineeships are not transferable. However, the ATSN may intervene in determining the matter.
Please discuss matters initially with your allocated ATSN Support Officer.
- What are the benefits of employing a Trainee?
- There are many benefits, including: Developing a skilled labour force in your organisation; Helps you retain employees; You get Payroll Tax exemption (not PAYG); You get financial incentives from your Australian Apprenticeship Centre.
- What does an Australian Apprenticeship Centre do?
- Australian Apprenticeship Centres Provide information on traineeships, do all the paper work and inform you about Registered Training Organisation’s (RTO’s) that provide the training suitable to your industry.
- When should I sign up my employees onto a Traineeship?
- 1. When they have been working less than 3 months for full time employees. 2. When they have been working less than 12 months for part time/casual employees
- When would I contact an Australian Apprenticeship Centre?
- You would contact an Australian Apprenticeship Centre: 1.When you are ready to consider signing up Trainees. Simply - They are the information and paper work people. They are there to help you get the most out of Traineeships.
2. When you and the Trainee need help completing the training contract
3.To Register the Trainee with the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Support Network (ATSN)
4.To process the contract, verify eligibility and make incentive payments to you.
5.Any time you are not sure, they can assist by informing you who is the right person to contact. - Where do I find a Trainee?
- You could: Take on work experience people; Contact your local JOBLINK, Job Network or Group Training Scheme; Talk to School Career Advisors; or ring our Job Placement service on 9209 4300
- Which RTO/off-the-job provider does the Trainee use?
- The Department of Education and Training now has a User Choice policy for off-the-job training in place, and will send each Trainee and their employer a list of providers contracted to deliver the particular course related to the Traineeship.