Published to Career Information on Dec 11, 2018
Steps to Hiring an Apprentice
Making the decision to hire an apprentice can be a big step that takes a lot of preparation if you’ve never done it before. But, hiring an apprentice can also be a great investment for your business and gives you the opportunity to guide and mentor the next the generation of workers in your industry.
Step One: Preparation
One of the most important things you must do before hiring an apprentice is read up on all the relevant and up-to-date laws for the industry. When you hire an apprentice, certain awards, training entitlements and wages may apply that are different to your other employees. Check out the Fair Work Ombudsman for information that may apply to your business and apprentice.
Before hiring an apprentice, you must also assess the current and future needs of your business and the role you want your apprentice to fill. Decide what the job will entail, the skills required for the job, and whether you want to hire a full-time, part-time or school-based apprentice. Keep in mind also that most apprenticeships will take 3-4 years to complete, so it’s important to consider how the role may change over time.
Step Two: Hire an Apprentice
There are two ways you can go about hiring an apprentice.
1. Employing directly through your business
With today’s technology, connecting with eager apprentices has never been easier. You may choose to advertise your open position on a multitude of job search engines. Some of these include:
Employing an apprentice directly through your business means you will be responsible for your apprentice’s training and wages.
2. Employing via Group Training Organisations
Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employ apprentices and trainees and place them with a host employer on a short or long-term basis to get hands on experience. The GTO will be in charge of managing their wages, employment and training.
This is an option for businesses that are unable to provide a full scope of work for an apprentice, or who aren’t ready to commit to the full 3-4 years it will take to complete the apprentice’s qualification.
Step Three: Choose a training provider
There are plenty of reputable Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) offering training plans. Some of these RTOs are in a traditional face-to-face classroom setting, where the apprentice must attend block training to learn and be assessed for the theory component of their trade.
Other RTOs, such as Blue Dog Training, offer flexible training for apprentices. These courses are self-paced and can be completed during down time, between jobs, or on rainy days.
Step Four: Sign up
Before your apprentice can officially start, you both must sign and register a National Training Contract. These contracts are developed by your local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN). Your chosen AASN will develop a training contract for both you and your apprentice to sign. The AASN will also lodge the contract. The contract will protect both you and your apprentice’s interests, and will also ensure you are both aware of the responsibilities and obligations involved with the apprenticeship.
Step Five: Financial Incentives
One of the benefits of hiring an apprentice is the financial incentives that come with it. It’s important to take advantage of these incentives to recoup any monetary losses you may have while training your apprentice. The Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Programme provides a number of incentives to assist employers who take on an Australian Apprentice, particularly where the Australian Apprenticeship is in a trade experiencing a skills shortage. The incentives can range between $750 and $4,000.
If you’re interested in appointing Blue Dog Training as your RTO, please get in touch with one of our experienced and qualified trainers on (07) 3166 3900 or admin@bluedogtraining.com.au
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