Employers

Employers are both beneficiaries and supporters of the training system in Western Australia providing skilled staff for real workplaces.

If you run a business you know all too well how important it is to plan for the future and adapt to a changing market environment.

Having an apprentice can help you develop the skills of your workforce and could be the smartest decision you make. Here you will find information about how to employ an apprentice and what is expected of you as an employer. You'll also get an understanding of the required employment conditions, probationary periods, and how you can receive financial support as an employer of an apprentice.

How to employ an apprentice or apprentice

If you are considering employing apprentices for the first time, you have lots of options. Not only are there now more than 500 apprenticeships available in Western Australia, the way they're managed is now far more flexible.

Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages and involve recruiting young people either directly or through a group training organisation, but that's only the beginning.

You can also start training:

• Students through training in schools - school based apprenticeships and School Apprenticeship Link
• Aboriginal students through Aboriginal School Based Training
• School leavers
• Mature workers wanting to start a new career
• Existing workers with skills but not qualified
• Existing workers without experience in their area of interest
• Apprentices on a part-time basis.

The Australian Government provides employers with financial incentives to employ apprentices including those in school based training, adult apprentices and out of contract apprentices. The State Government also provides payroll tax exemptions and workers compensation rebates for employers of apprentices.

Where do I start?

You can employ an apprentice directly or become a host employer through a group training organisation. An employer can recruit an apprentice in the same way as they recruit other employees, for example by advertising in newspapers or on the internet.

Place a vacancy on Jobs Board
Jobs Board is ApprentiCentre's free online apprenticeship vacancy listing service for employers wanting to advertise vacant positions and job seekers wanting to find positions for apprenticeships available.  It's updated regularly so check it out.

Host through a group training organisation
Group training organisations employ apprentices and place them with host employers. Group training arrangements can assist employers who do not have sufficient work to employ a person for the full term of an apprenticeship, or who are unable to provide all aspects of the required training. Group training organisations are set up in some geographical areas and others for particular industry sectors.

Contact a group training organisation for further assistance with hosting an apprentice or contact a group training organisation contracted to participate in Aboriginal School Based Training.

Through the apprenticeship out of contract list
ApprentiCentre has a list of apprentices that currently have a training contract cancelled but wish to continue their apprenticeship and are looking for new employers. If you are looking for an apprentice that has already started their apprenticeship (for example a 2nd or 3rd year) contact ApprentiCentre and we can forward your details on to specific apprentices looking for new employers.

Expectations and where to get help
Not only do you gain a skilled workforce by employing apprentices, but you can also apply for financial incentives and benefits.

You have a responsibility to train your apprentices and provide them with appropriate conditions that and comply with the National Code of Good Practice.

Registering the apprentice contract
It is a legal requirement that you and your apprentice enter into a training contract within 21 days of them commencing employment as an apprentice with you. Contact an Australian Apprenticeships Centre to organise this contract as soon as your apprentice starts work.

Find out more:
T: 13 38 73 (Australian Apprenticeships Centre)
W: Australian Apprenticeship

Training

By taking on an apprentice you are committing to supporting and encouraging them as your employee.

You are responsible for providing:

• Employment, training and supervision over the course of their apprenticeship
• Every opportunity to learn the skills they need to complete their qualification
• The time they need off work to complete off the job training if this is required (formal training and assessment, whether undertaken on or off the job, must be paid in working time)
• A safe working environment that complies with industrial relations and occupational health and safety regulations.

You are required to work with your registered training organisation to develop a training plan and review your apprentices progress regularly.

Probation period
To make sure you are both comfortable and happy with your training arrangement, there is a probation period of one month for each year of the apprenticeship.  This time is included in the total term of the apprenticeship.

During this probation period, the apprenticeship can be cancelled by either party.

Employment conditions and wages
Apprentices must be employed under an Industry Award or Workplace Agreement.

Minimum wages vary according to industry type, the stage of apprenticeship and the age of the apprentice. Industry awards may regulate wages and conditions of employment.

Find out more:
Details of rates applicable are available from Wageline on 1300 655 266
State awards information can be found at Department of Commerce 
Federal awards information can be found at Fair Work Australia or 1300 799 675

There is a National Code of Good Practice that details the obligations of employers and apprentices. A copy is available from your Australian Apprenticeships Centre where you sign your contract.

Find out more:
T: 13 38 73 (Australian Apprenticeships Centre)
W: Australian Apprenticeship

Who pays for the training?

The Department of Training and Workforce Development pays for approved off-the-job training. Training conducted in the workplace is the responsibility of the employer.

What financial support can I expect as an employer?

This section outlines the financial benefits you can expect as an employer of an apprentice.

Australian Government incentives

You may be able to take advantage of financial incentives to reduce the cost of training if you:

• Take on an apprentice in an area of skills shortage
• Take on an out of trade apprentice
• Take on a school based apprentice
• Employ an apprentice to work in regional or rural Australia
• Employ apprentices with a disability
• Take on a mature age apprentice.

Find out more:
T: 13 38 73 (Australian Apprenticeships Centre)
W: Australian Apprenticeship

Payroll exemption

You are exempt from payroll tax for wages of apprentices.

Find out more:
T: 9262 1300 (Department of Treasury and Finance)
W: Department of Trasury and Finance

Funding for training

If you have taken on a new apprentice, the Department of Education and Training funds most training.

If you have an existing apprentice, funding may be available if they are doing a certificate IV or above.

While apprentices are required to pay some fees to their registered training organisation, some employers may pay this on their behalf.

Western Australian Government workers compensation rebate

You are entitled to claim a workers compensation rebate for your certificate III and above apprentices who commenced their training after 1 January 2009.  The rebate is payable after the apprentice has completed the first year of their training contract.