There are many reasons why choosing to hire a trade apprentice is a strong investment for your business, and will help you to foster a thriving workplace environment. When working with an apprentice, you are able sculpt and train an individual from the ground up to work to your preferred specifications and unique style. There are also a number of financial benefits that come along with having an apprentice. The result of this: you will be able to grow your business, while still improving your profit to loss margins. Sounds like a win-win situation to us. If you haven’t considered taking on an Australian apprentice yet, then you should do so immediately. 

What is an Australian Trade Apprenticeship? 

Firstly, let’s look at what an Australian apprenticeship entrails for you, the employer. Essentially, you are offering an individual of working age to work and study in a particular trade. These are many great industries an individual can apply to, and all of them involve a mixture of on-site training/work, with classroom based learning programs. 

What’s involved in hiring an apprentice? 

Typically, a prospective apprentice will go out of their way to contact employers directly when they’re seeking work. If none have approached you, however, it becomes your task to track some down. There are a number of ways you can go about this. Firstly, you should contact any training organisations in your area, as most apprentices will come from pathway programs or pre-apprenticeship courses. You can also speak with any secondary school career teachers in your area to see if they know of students looking to take up a trade apprenticeship. Another option is to advertise in your local paper or online. 

Once you’ve found interested apprentices, it’s important to layout your expectations so you’re both on the same page from day one. As an apprentice can work part-time or full-time, depending on whether they’re still at school, you’ll have to agree on a system that suits both parties. During this conversation, it’s also good to discuss working hours, conditions and pay. 

Steps for signing up your apprentice

Once you’ve found your candidate, and everyone is happy, it’s time for you to choose a registered training organisation to take care of the learning portion of the program. This is between you and your apprentice to decide, but ultimately you should be looking for a reputable organisation that offers relevant and in-depth programs. 

Next you’ll need to contact an Australian Apprenticeship Centre in your area, and they’ll run you through the Contract of Training between you and your apprentice (which is completed at no cost to you.) 

Prior to any work on-site, your apprentice must also undergo a one-day safety induction course at a certified organisation. This is known as ‘White Card’ training, and will ensure they’re aware of all the necessary safety precautions. CWBTS run regular White Card short courses – contact us on 1300 CWBTS for more info. 

What are the incentives available for my business? 

Fortunately for employers, the Australian Government is committed to supporting the building and construction industry. One of the ways they support employers is by providing them with financial incentives to hire apprentices. 

This is especially so for industries experiencing skills shortages or a lack of viable workers. Incentives will vary depending on your industry, state, current trends in the workforce and a number of other factors. 

• Financial payments up to the value of $4,000
• Workers Compensation exemption
• Payroll tax rebates
• Additional incentives are available to aid in the employment of individuals with disabilities, who are mature aged, an Indigenous Australian, or school based. 

Government benefits are likely to change at any time without notice, and eligibility for these benefits differs from state to state. To learn more about the incentives which may be available to you, please visit Apprenticeship Support Australia. 

Additional assistance available

If you’re thinking of employing an apprentice that is aged 25 years or over in a position listed on the National Skills Needs List, then you may be eligible for further financial support. 

Employers looking at hiring an apprentice with a disability in a Certificate II qualification or higher, may be able to receive assistance from the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support. 

To see if you’re entitled to any other government programs or any other forms of assistance, speak to your Apprenticeship Network provider to assess your options. 

The Australia Apprenticeship Support Network 

The Australian Government invests up to $200 million each year into this network to assist employers and apprentices respectfully throughout the duration of the apprenticeship. This assistant will benefit employers in particular, helping them to successfully recruit and train their apprentices, whilst also serving as a reputable source of information and relevant resources. 

With more than 420 locations throughout Australia, you’ll usually be able to find one that’s conveniently located near you. Visit the Australian Apprenticeships site to locate a network provider closest to you.

If you would like to find out more about taking on a trade apprentice, give us a call on 1300 4 CWBTS or get in touch here.