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NORTEC Training Course Information Traineeships
for Employers and Trainees
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Traineeship is the name given to an agreement between an employer and an employee whereby the employer agrees to take on an untrained employee and provide on-the-job training as part of their daily work arrangements and also provide some time for the employee to complete formalised training.
Traineeships are similar to apprenticeships except that they are not so trade-based. Traineeship training can be delivered by private Registered Training Organisations, such as NORTEC Training. In general, all training associated with a traineeship occurs within the workplace – there is usually no requirement for the trainee to go offsite to attend his/her training at a training institution.
Traineeships are a mutually beneficial arrangement for the employer and the employee.
For Employers
Advantages of employing a trainee
Traineeships have the following advantages:
- Your staff member learns the necessary skills to do his/her job
- The vast majority of costs of the traineeship may be paid by the state government
- You may be entitled to up to $4000 of incentives for placing a staff member on and supporting him/her through a traineeship (if a Certificate III-level qualification or higher; $1250 for a Certificate II-level qualification)
- You may be eligible to engage your new employee under a trainee wage and those wages will be payroll tax exempt, where applicable.
Of course, there’s other benefits such as having motivated workers and better staff retention.
Traineeship Types
In general, there are three types of traineeships:
New Entrant Traineeships – A new entrant is somebody who has been employed by an organisation less than 3 months if full time (35 or more hours/week) and less than 12 months if part-time (15-35 hours/week). Depending upon the employee’s previous qualifications and experience, new entrant traineeships are typically funded by the state government. These traineeships typically attract incentives paid by the Federal Government.
Existing Worker Traineeships – Existing workers are those who have been employed within an organisation longer than 3 months if full-time (35 or more hours/week) or longer than 12 months if employed part-time (15-34 hours/week). Existing worker traineeships are not funded in any way – they are undertaken as a fee-for-service arrangement with the RTO. However, they may attract Federal Government incentives.
School-Based Traineeships - School-based traineeships allow high school students - typically Years 11 and 12 - to work with an employer as paid employees whilst studying for their HSC/Senior Certificate. School based trainees generally undertake a Certificate II traineeship over a period of between 24 and 36 months. The formal or off-the-job training component that they undertake as part of the traineeship contributes directly to their HSC/Senior Certificate, and is delivered by a school and/or other registered training organisation.
Federal Government Incentives
Employers hiring an Australian Apprentice (which includes a trainee) may be eligible for a range of Australian Government and State Government incentives and personal assistance starting from $1250 for most employers for Certificate II – IV, together with some targeted Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications. These incentives encourage employers to offer employment-based training opportunities that will encourage people to acquire and expand their working skills.
For more information, go to the Australian Apprenticeships website.
Your obligations as an employer of a trainee
As an employer of a trainee you must provide your trainee with:
- every opportunity to learn the skills and acquire the knowledge of the trade or traineeship
- access to structured on and/or off-the-job training
- time off work to attend training when necessary
- time at work to undertake structured training
- a safe working environment
- a work environment free from any form of harassment
- other benefits specified in the training agreement or industrial arrangement (eg. a tool allowance).
You are responsible for ensuring that the apprentice or trainee has access to the full range of work required to develop the skills and industry knowledge they need on the job. You also need to observe their progress and confirm that they are developing the required skills and knowledge.
Ensuring a safe workplace
Employers of apprentices or trainees have an obligation to ensure their health and safety in the workplace. The overall objective of the Commonwealth and various state occupational health and safety acts are to prevent death, injury or illness in workplaces, workplace activities, or in specified high risk plants. Apprentices and trainees are considered to be workers under the Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section will be updated as questions become frequently asked! In the meantime, there are some answers to frequently asked questions on the Australian Apprenticeships or NSW Department of Education and Training websites.
For Trainees
Advantages of a traineeship
As an apprentice or a trainee, you get:
- employment
- training
- ongoing advice and support
- financial assistance and
- nationally recognised qualifications that lead to a career and pathways to other opportunities
Traineeship types
In general, there are three types of traineeships:
New Entrant Traineeships – You would be a new entrant if you have been employed by your organisation less than 3 months if full time (35 or more hours/week) and less than 12 months if part-time (15-35 hours/week). Depending upon your previous qualifications and experience, new entrant traineeships are typically funded by the state government. These traineeships typically attract incentives paid by the Federal Government.
Existing Worker Traineeships – You would be an existing worker if you have been employed within an organisation longer than 3 months if full-time (35 or more hours/week) or longer than 12 months if employed part-time (15-34 hours/week). Existing worker traineeships are not funded in any way – they are undertaken as a fee-for-service arrangement with the RTO. However, they may attract Federal Government incentives.
School-Based Traineeships – If you are a high school student - typically Years 11 and 12 – you can work with an employer as a paid employee whilst studying for your HSC/Senior Certificate. School-based trainees generally undertake a Certificate II traineeship over a period of between 24 and 36 months. The formal or off-the-job training component that you undertake as part of your traineeship contributes directly to your HSC/Senior Certificate, and is delivered by a school and/or other registered training organisation.
Your obligations as a trainee
Apprentices and trainees must make every effort to acquire the skills and knowledge required to successfully complete their apprenticeship or traineeship by:
- accepting instruction and training in the vocation given by or on behalf of the employer in the workplace
- attending scheduled training in the qualification delivered by the RTO
- completing assignments and other assessment tasks set by the RTO
- maintaining the competency record book or work evidence guide if one has been issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section will be updated as questions become frequently asked! In the meantime, there are some answers to frequently asked questions on the Australian Apprenticeships or NSW Department of Education and Training websites.
