In this blog post, we’ll be discussing:
- What do Gateway Services offer?
- Support throughout the apprenticeship
- Information around what happens with the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and what support is offered
What are Gateway Services and what do they offer?
Gateway services are an offering provided by Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers and can include career support, career planning, job search skills, resume advice and interview tips and also recruitment.
The advice and information provided by Gateway Services relates to all aspects of career options, suitable pathways and longer-term outcomes and can also include information regarding apprenticeships and traineeships.
Support throughout the apprenticeship
AASN providers deliver free support to apprentices, trainees and employers.
Their services include:
- providing information on suitable apprenticeships and traineeships
- meeting with the employer and apprentice or trainee to undertake the registration process
- managing the eligibility and paperwork for incentives, allowances and trade support loans
- providing support to all parties through mentoring and specialist support
AASN providers must be involved at the start of an Australian Apprenticeship. They will help with the legal elements of an apprenticeship or traineeship, such as the formal sign up.
Government support
The Australian Government provides additional support to Australian Apprentices with disability to help them to reach their full potential as skilled workers.
A range of assistance is available including the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) which is paid to employers. This supports and encourages employers to take on an apprentice or trainee who has a disability.
DAAWS is also available to Australian Apprentices who become disabled during an apprenticeship.
Australian Apprentices with disability can access tutorial, interpreting and mentor services. These services are to assist apprentices and trainees to undertake their training. This support is available throughout the duration of the Australian Apprenticeship.
The AASN provider that does the sign up will support the employer and the apprentice or trainee with information about all of these services.
Information about the training
All Australian Apprentices do training through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). RTO’s deliver and assess nationally recognised job training for Australian Apprentices. An RTO could be a TAFE, school or a private training provider.
The RTO works with employers and apprentices/trainees to:
- develop the training plan
- deliver off-the-job training
- support the employer in delivering on-the-job training
- approve and issue the qualification upon successful completion of the apprenticeship or traineeship.
RTO’s that satisfy the DAAWS eligibility requirements may also claim financial assistance for tutorial services for their Australian Apprentice as mentioned above.
Helpful information when applying for a job
When it comes time to apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship through a direct employer, an understanding of the varied support services available to Australians living with a disability can be very useful. AASN providers are there to help all parties through the process although employers may not know the level of support offered or know about the financial incentive that the DAAWS program can provide. Sharing this information may help to increase the chances of successfully landing a position within a company.
DAAWS Fact Sheet
https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-05/Support%20for%20Australian%20Apprentices%20with%20disability.pdf