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Recruit an apprentice/trainee
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships are available in a wide range of occupations. The term “Australian Apprenticeships” is a term used by the Commonwealth Government to include both trainees and apprentices.
When you employ a trainee or apprentice you sign a legally binding training contract where you agree to provide training and access to structured training for your employee for the duration of the traineeship or apprenticeship. Unless covered by an award, trainees and apprentices can be paid the National Training Wage.
The nature of traineeships and apprenticeships differs depending on the industry or occupation involved. Apprenticeships can last for three or four years or until the apprentice achieves all of the competencies required.
Both trainees and apprentices may attract government funding, paid to employers through Australian Apprenticeships Centres. Businesses wishing to recruit apprentices and trainees are eligible for subsidies according to the conditions that apply in each State and Territory.
To find the information you need for your business visit Australian Apprenticeships (www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/).
Information on State Government incentives is also available.
Successful recruitment for small business
Before you decide to recruit a member of staff, consider the following three questions:
- Will this appointment cost me more money than it will generate for the business?
- Will this appointment help me in my business now?
- Will this appointment help my business to grow?
If you answer these three questions positively, the following tips will help you achieve a successful outcome in your recruitment activity. Each tip provides you with information and activities to help you successfully recruit a new apprentice or trainee.
Tip 1: Decide where your business is going, and the type of employee you need (PDF - 50Kb)
Tip 2: Choose the best method of recruitment for your business (PDF - 32Kb)
Tip 3: Decide what the job is (PDF - 30Kb)
Tip 4: Decide what skills and attributes are needed (PDF - 54Kb)
Tip 5: Contact your Australian Apprenticeships Centre (PDF - 26Kb)
Tip 6: Develop the job advertisement (PDF - 22Kb)
Tip 7: Prepare for the interview (PDF - 28Kb)
Tip 8: Conduct the interview (PDF - 21Kb)
Tip 9: Select the successful applicant (PDF - 23Kb)
Tip 10: Make the appointment (PDF - 34Kb)
Workplace coaches and mentors
So You're A Workplace Coach (PDF - 409Kb) is a booklet of handy tips for workplace coaches and mentors who supervise apprentices/trainees and includes information on:
- training
- monitoring progress
- feedback
- motivation
- help with problems.
Supervisory guidelines (Word - 71Kb) are available to provide more detailed information of what is expected of employers and supervisors.
More information
Training.com.au gives comprehensive coverage of:
- how to recruit an apprentice/trainee yourself
- Australian Apprenticeships Centres (AAC)
- Group Training Organisations that employ apprentices/trainees and then hire them out to 'host employers'
- training your existing staff as apprentices/trainees.
