Workplace Issues
To make the most of your apprenticeship or traineeships, you need to be aware of your responsibilities and expectations. Use the following information as a useful reference throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship.
This page includes the following information on:
- The training contract
- Cancellation of a training contract
- Discipline & Misconduct
- Workplace health & safety
- Workplace harassment
The Training Contract
The Training Contract is a legally binding document, signed by you and your employer and states that you agree to work and train together for a length of time. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must also sigsn the Contract (and will remain a party to the contract until your 18th birthday). It is important that you enter accurate and truthful information into the Contract, as failure to do so can constitute a breach of the Training & Employment Act 2000.
Once the Training Contract is completed, Queensland Apprenticeship Services lodges it with the Department of Education and Training (DET) for registration. Once the Training Contract has been registered with DET, they will then send you a letter confirming registration and your registration number. QAS will provide a copy of the Training Contract to both you and your employer.
Cancellation of the Training Contract
When the probationary period of your apprenticeship or traineeship expires, cancellation of the contract can only occur through mutual consent between you and your employer (& your parent or guardian if you are under 18), or through a ruling by the Training Recognition Council if parties do not agree.
Before you decide to cancel your apprenticeship or traineeship you should first discuss your options with a Training Support Officer from DET on 1300 369 935. If you still decide to cancel your Training Contract, you must complete a cancellation form, (available from QAS) and return it to QAS, for dispatch to DET.
Discipline & Misconduct
In the unlikely event that you or your employer fail to uphold your obligations under the Training Contract, either party can ask DET to take action, including suspension, fines, or even cancellation of the Contract. The degree to which any disciplinary action can be taken is dependent on the nature of the misconduct.
Workplace Health & Safety
Your employer has a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of all workers, including yourself. Likewise, you also have a responsibility to ensure your own safety, and that you obey instructions as they relate to your own or others safety, including your use of protective clothing or equipment at work.
Your employer must provide you with instructions on the need for protective clothing, equipment, or procedures for using potentially dangerous machinery prior to you commencing work. Be aware that you are accountable for your own actions as they relate to the safety of others.
Workplace Harassment
Harassment is verbal or physical conduct which is unwelcome, intimidating or offensive. Harassment may be a single example of offensive behaviour or repeated examples of such behaviour regardless of whether or not it has been indicated by the individual as unacceptable. Behaviour or comments which may not offend one person may be unwelcome or offensive to another. Harassment however, should not be confused with fair performance counselling as long as the counselling is based on legitimate job performance issues. You are advised not to take part in harassment and not accept it. It can be reported to your employer and /or a Training Support Consultant with DET on 1300 369 935.