EMPLOYERS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I recruit an apprentice or trainee?
There are several options available:
- Log the vacancy on Challenger’s JobConnect database or contact our Student Employment Officer on 9239 8503.
- The ApprentiCentre offers a free on-line apprentice and trainee vacancy listing service for employers. To lodge apprentice and trainee vacancies on Jobs Board you will need to register with ApprentiCentre. Contact the team on 13 19 54 to organise your registration and your user name and password.
Contact:
- Local Job Networks
- Group Training Schemes
- Secondary school career advisers
- Recruitment advertisements in the newspapers
- Word of mouth
- The direct approach, where a prospective apprentice or trainee contacts a business directly.
What wages do I pay?
Minimum wages vary according to the industry. To find out more (about wages and conditions for WA Awards) contact Wageline on 1300 655 266. If you are querying wages and conditions under Federal Agreements, contact the Workplace Infoline on 1300 363 264.
Can an apprentice or trainee work part-time?
Yes, but they must be employed a minimum of 20 hours per week. 31 hours or more are deemed to be full-time. All Traineeships are available on a part-time basis; whilst only certain Apprenticeships are available; a list of part-time programs are available at www.apprenticentre.wa.gov.au
What is an "existing worker" trainee?
An existing worker trainee is defined as an employee who has been in paid employment with your organisation for more than 3 months full-time, or 12 months part-time. Commonwealth Incentive payments of up to $4,000 are available in certain industry areas to up-skill existing workers at Certificate III/IV or higher. (*Certificate II/III if aged between 15 and 24 years of age).
For further information contact: Challenger TAFE's Apprenticeship and Traineeship Centre: ATCentre@challengertafe.wa.edu.au or 9239 8623.
Can I claim payroll tax exemption?
Yes, you are exempt from Payroll Tax for wages of apprentices/trainees. Find out more by calling 9262 1300 (Department of Treasury and Finance).
Who do I contact to arrange the initial sign-up?
All Australian Apprenticeship Centres are contracted to provide you with advice and assistance relating to apprenticeships and traineeships. They will help you complete a training contract and other Government incentive paperwork. If you are not presently linked to one of these organisations, then you can find details of the one in your locality by referring to: www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au
When do I enrol my apprentice or trainee to a course at Challenger TAFE?
Once you have completed the Training Contract paperwork, the ApprentiCentre notifies Challenger TAFE electronically. This process can take up to four weeks, so allowances for this timeframe must be made if TAFE attendance is required. Enrolment usually takes place once the Training Program Outline has been signed by all parties (though for apprentices this may happen on the first day of attendance during the induction phase).
What if I wish to cancel?
A trainee is on probation for the first month and an apprentice in on probation for the first thee months. During the probation period the training contract can be cancelled by either party. Cancelling the training contract after this period should be a last resort. However, if you all agree the training contract should be cancelled contact the ApprentiCentre on 13 19 54.
Links
Fact Sheet on Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Step-by-step guide on employing an Apprentice or Trainee