Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Apprenticeships and Traineeships provide for skills developments through training that is employment based. They are a great way to gain skills and achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a full-time employment based training program that provides an opportunity to learn all aspects of a trade. Apprentices are contracted to an employer for a fixed period of time (in many cases four years) during which they learn all about a trade. The training combines practical experience at work with complementary training off-the-job with a Registered Training Organisation. There are many apprenticeships to choose from and all lead to becoming a qualified tradesperson.

What is a Traineeship?

A traineeship is a full-time or part-time employment based training arrangement. During the course of a traineeship, a trainee gains work experience and has the opportunity to learn new skills in a hands-on environment. On successful completion, the trainee earns a nationally recognised qualification.

How are apprentices and trainees recruited?

For Employers - 5 Steps to getting an Apprentice/ Trainee

1. Assess whether you have a vacancy
2. Speak to your local New Apprenticeship Centre (NAC)
3. Recruit the right person
4. Select a training provider and decide on a training program
5. Complete and sign a training agreement with your new apprentice/ trainee

For Job Seekers - 5 Steps to gaining an Apprenticeship/ Traineeship

1. Find an employer who is willing to take you on as an apprentice or trainee
2. Discuss your training requirements with your new employer and training provider
3. Complete a training agreement and obtain a copy from your local New Apprenticeship Centre (NAC)
4. Commence employment with you new employer
5. Commence training

Training Delivery and Assessment

The Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is responsible for training and assessments. The employer's role is to provide day to day training and supervision for the apprentice or trainee, ensuring they have access to every possible opportunity within the work place. The RTO representative will issue a Training Record Book to the trainee or apprentice. The Training Record Book outlines all of the training requirements discussed and agreed in the Training Program Outline.

Training for hospitality is conducted both on and off the job and covers both technical skills as well as general subjects such as:

• Customer service
• Computer skills
• Occupational health and safety

Technical skills will vary according to the job area and could include any of the following:

• Bartending
• Cooking
• Taking reservations
• Attending to guests luggage
• Cashiering
• Servicing rooms
• Waiting on tables
• Preparing food items
• Attending to guests needs
• Attending in a gaming lounge
• Making cocktails
• Making coffee

Training for tourism is conducted both on and off the job and covers both technical skills as well as general subjects such as:

• Customer service
• Language and cross cultural skills
• Destinations information

Technical skills will vary according to the job area and could include any of the following:

• Office administration
• Selling and promoting products/services
• Conducting tours
• Providing animal care
• Conducting product tastings
• Constructing airfares
• Receiving and processing reservations
• Operating a ride
• Driving a coach / bus /4wd
• Preparing itineraries
• Setting up a campsite
• Presenting information to visitors

Qualification

After successful completion of all on and off-the-job requirements, the RTO will issue a certificate to the apprentice or trainee. For apprenticeships, the Department of Training will issue a "Trade Certificate" in the trade undertaken, eg cookery.

What are the eligibility requirements for apprenticeships and traineeships?

Eligibility requirements vary according to the type of trade and industry sector.

Recruitment can occur through a number of avenues which are available to both employers and prospective apprentices and trainees:

• Local JOBLINKS - visit www.getaccess.wa.gov.au/joblink
• Local Job Networks - visit www.jobnetwork.gov.au
• Group Training Schemes
• Secondary school career advisors
• Recruitment advertisements in newspapers and internet employment sites.
• Work experience
• Word of mouth
• The direct approach, where a prospective apprentice or trainee contacts businesses directly.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPRENTICES

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPRENTICES IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

It has come to my attention that there are several misconceptions within the Hospitality/Cooking Industry regarding employment and training obligations of apprentices.

To address these issues, the following information is provided to ensure that you are able to make an informed decision before considering other employment options during your apprenticeship.

Points to be aware of:

• The transfer of any apprenticeship is only possible where the current employer is agreeable to the transfer request.
• An apprentice can not resign from their apprenticeship similarly an employer can not dismiss an apprentice without substantiating the reason with this office.
• You are indentured to the owners of business (and any new owners) and not the chef.
• Where an apprentice walks out on their employer to work elsewhere and the current employer is not agreeable with the transfer, it can be said that the apprentice has abandoned their trade and the apprenticeship may be cancelled and no credit approved for any future apprenticeships.
• Attendance at the Registered Training Organisation (tech college) is compulsory.
• To be eligible for your Trade Certificate, an apprentice must successfully complete the off-the-job training competencies and be deemed competent on-the-job by your employer or supervisor.
• The apprenticeship term can not be completed by accruing work at several places without formally transferring the apprenticeship.
• Apprentices have an obligation to contact this office within 14 days of changes to their employment status. Failure to advice this office can lead to the cancellation of an apprenticeship.
• An apprenticeship can be completed earlier than the nominated term providing that the all competencies on and off the job have been achieved, and where all parties agree to this reduction. A request must be submitted to this office and approved prior to you leaving the establishment.

Should you wish to discuss any aspect of your apprenticeship please seek advice from your nominated Principal Support Officer by phoning 13 19 54. By making enquiries prior to taking any action you will have a better understanding of your options and able to make an informed decision. This approach will ensure you have every opportunity to successfully complete your apprenticeship and gain your Trade Certificate.

May I take this opportunity to wish every success in your endeavours.

Yours faithfully

Greg Guppy
MANAGER
APPRENTICESHIP & TRAINEESHIP SUPPORT NETWORK

4 May 2006
Our Ref:
For further information visit www.apprenticeships.training.wa.gov.au or phone: 13 19 54.

© 2007 WA Hospitality and Tourism Industry Training Council . All rights Reserved.