Benefits of Employing an Australian Apprentice

There are many benefits of hiring an Australian Apprentice or Trainee for your business, for both the apprentice or trainee and for the employer.

As a business, you get an opportunity to train the apprentice or trainee in the skills and processes suited to your organisation. The training received by an Australian Apprentice has been developed in conjunction with industry, and in some cases can be customised for your business needs.

The Australian Apprentice will be more invested in your business, with statistics showing that around 50% of apprentices stay in the same occupation and many other apprentices and trainees move into new roles in their industry.

Training up the next generation of skilled workers benefits your business and industry, reducing skills shortages and ensuring you have qualified and productive staff.

Investing in Your Future

Developing the capability for a business to grow is an important consideration for employers. Employing an apprentice or trainee is an effective way to help meet the demands of the business and increase production. You are not just investing in the apprentice or trainee, but also in the future of your organisation.

Taking on an apprentice or trainee can bring ‘new life’ into the workplace through a fresh perpective and innovative ideas. It also provides an opportunity for long term staff members to impart their knowledge and skills, ensuring valuable 'tricks of the trade' are passed on to future generations.

You can future-proof your business by investing in customised training so that your apprentice or trainee develops the right skills and understanding for your business.

What to consider

Although there are 500 occupations available as an apprenticeship or traineeship, they aren't the solution to all job roles. The decision to use this approach involves a commitment from an employer to take on a part-time or full-time employee, and to induct, train and supervise these new apprentices or trainees.

Employers should consider whether they have the resources, time and energy to put into managing this approach to skills development. For businesses who wish to participate in the Australian Apprenticeships system but need assistance with elements, using a Group Training Organisation may be a good option.

In addition to training on the job, each apprentice or trainee must undertake formal training during work time through a Registered Training Organisation. This may be at a training organisation or at your work place. Time for training is paid as work time.

While there are many benefits for employers who take on Australian Apprentices, there are obligations and responsibilities that come with this.

Many underpinning qualification options

Australian Apprenticeships combine employment and training, and cover hundreds of occupations across 50 industries. Apprenticeships and traineeships aren't just available at Certificate II and III levels.  Many industries offer Australian Apprenticeship occupations that are underpinned by Certificate IV's, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas.

Qualifications have been developed through consultation with industry are the basis of an apprenticeship or traineeship. Assessment is competency based, meaning that the employee needs to demonstrate the skill required. This allows for progression when the apprentice or trainee is competent, rather than being purely time based.

It is important for the best qualification to be chosen that matches the needs of your business. With so many options it can be difficult deciding which to choose. The Job and Training Description Search shows occupations that are available to be done as an Australian Apprenticeship, and include examples of the training involved in that apprenticeship or traineeship pathway. This information will help you decide whether the qualification is the right match for your business.

Job Pathways Charts provide an industry-wide view of occupations and certificate outcomes, illustrating the breadth of options employers can consider. You can also click on the occupation titles to see the Job and Training Description for that role. It is important to know what career pathways are available for employees. Job Pathways Charts are also a good tool when looking at options to upskill new and existing staff.

Financial considerations

The wages of apprentices and trainees may be less than those of skilled employees, which is a consideration for some employers. The wage reflects the fact that an apprentice or trainee is likely to be inexperienced and less productive, and that they will spend time undertaking formal training.

The pay scale for apprentices and trainees, which may include pay increases based on progression throughout the apprenticeship, means the employer will typically have a positive financial return on investment across the lifetime of an Australian Apprenticeship.

In addition, the Australian and State and Territory Governments may provide incentives for employing apprentices and trainees. These can vary according to the skill level of the apprenticeship qualification and other factors such as location, skills shortage occupations and age.

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure they are paying the apprentice or trainee correctly, and that other aspects of the conditions of employment are met. You can find out more about Employer Responsibilities here.

Support Organisations

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers are funded by the Australian Government to provide support services to employers, apprentices and trainees. They can match employers with a suitable recruit for your organisation, and will provide support throughout the duration of the Australian Apprenticeship. They also register your apprentice or trainee into their formal training contract.

Group Training Organisations (GTOs) are a network of organisations that employ Australian Apprentices and hire them out to different businesses on a short or long-term basis. They take on the contractual and administrative responsibilities of the employer, recruit the apprentice or trainee and match them with an employer, and provide support for the full term of the contract. You can find out more about the work of Group Training Organisations here.

Each State and Territory can have different requirements and obligations for the employer, so it's important to access the support services in place to assist with understanding these. As well as the AASN providers and GTOs, the State or Territory Training Authorities can provide information and support during the term of an apprenticeship or traineeship. They may audit or monitor businesses to ensure they are meeting the legal requirements in place.