Responsibilities

The National Code of Good Practice for Australian Apprenticeships has been developed to assist apprentices and employers when entering into a Training Contract, by providing a clear understanding of obligations and expectations.

Parties responsibilities

Both an apprentice and employer:

undertakes a formal agreement known as the Training Contract, which sets out the binding legal obligations;
enters into an employment and training arrangement with a commitment to mutual respect, honesty and fairness;
agrees to determine the qualification and the competencies required to attain;
should have a clear understanding of the contractual obligations, including the duration of the Training Contract; and
must be made clear about available dispute resolution avenues and requirements to terminate the Contract.

Employer responsibilities

Employers must meet legal obligations, including:

conforming with relevant Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, including that relating to Australian Apprenticeship arrangements;
providing a safe workplace, free from workplace, verbal, physical, racial and sexual abuse;
ensuring occupational health and safety requirements are addressed; and
provision of an appropriate introduction to the workplace, stressing core occupational health and safety requirements essential to workplace safety.

Support structured training

Provide opportunities to develop knowledge and skills;
lodge Training Contract documentation with the relevant authorities and select a Registered Training Organisation to enrol the apprentice with, keeping within the timeframe determined by your State/Territory Training Authority;
participate in the development of the training plan and provide facilities and expertise to assist in the training of the Australian Apprentice in the agreed qualification;
ensure that a record of training is maintained; and
ensure that the relevant authorities are notified on the completion of the Training Contract, or if it is in danger of not being completed.

Supervision and support

Provide the apprentice with a nominated workplace supervisor. This may include a coaching or mentoring arrangement; and
be mindful that apprentices under the age of 18 are minors, and their parents/guardians have legal responsibility for them.

Advise apprentices of their rights and responsibilities

Encourage apprentices to raise issues and problems both in the workplace and with the Registered Training Organisation;
advise them of entitlements, such as wages and conditions;
ensure that the apprentice is aware that help and assistance is also available from the relevant State/Territory Training Authority; and
provide comprehensive induction processes.

Apprentice or Trainee responsibilities:

Attend and perform work in a professional and courteous manner in accordance with the employer’s requirements;
take care of workplace property and resources;
respect the rights of other employees in the workplace;
information obtained from an employer must be kept confidential and not disclosed without approval from the employer;
obtain consent from a parent/guardian, if you are less than 18 years of age;
attend and perform work in a professional and courteous manner in accordance with the employer’s requirements;
make reasonable efforts to achieve the competencies specified in the training plan and undertake any training and assessments required;
participate in the development of the training plan;
attend training sessions or supervised workplace activities and taking advantage of learning opportunities; and
maintain a record of training such as a training record book.