How to Recruit

Before you start the recruitment process, you need to consider the costs and benefits of employing an additional employee in your business. Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships can provide your business with a cost effective way to employ, train and up-skill staff.

Please use the following steps as a general guide:

• Step 1 – Establish the suitable type of apprenticeship/traineeship
• Step 2 – Develop a position description
• Step 3 – Find an Apprentice or Trainee 
  
  

Step 1 – Establish the suitable type of apprenticeship/traineeship

Firstly, establish the basic roles, responsibilities, skills, experience and employment status (full-time, part-time or Australian school-based). To find out more information regarding appropriate qualification, competency level requirements, duration, funding and training providers, contact Queensland Apprenticeship Services.

Step 2 – Develop a position description

After selecting a suitable qualification, you are now ready to develop the position description. A position description provides applicants with the information and requirements regarding the apprenticeship/traineeship. This could include: duties, roles and responsibilities, skills required, reporting obligations and other requirements (e.g. driver's licence).

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Step 3 – Find an Apprentice or Trainee

Once you have developed the position description, you can start looking for candidates to fill the role. Queensland Apprenticeship Services can assist you in finding suitable candidates through our extensive state-wide networks. We can even help you write and distribute the advert.

• Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employ apprentices and trainees directly, then host them out to the employer for an agreed time and set fee. GTOs can free you from the burden of paperwork and payroll, as well as selecting the apprentice/trainee for you, without having to worry about long-term employment contracts. This provides flexibility to meet peak workloads and seasonal variations. GTOs are able to:
  
  • arrange and monitor on and off-the-job training;
  • act as consultants and trouble-shooters for both you and the apprentice/trainee;
  • arrange rotations to broaden training opportunities;
  • arrange alternate work placements when required;
  • provide counselling and care for the apprentice/trainee; and
  • look after the paperwork including wage, holiday pay and sick leave.
    
• Job Network is a national network of Government contracted private and community organisations dedicated to finding jobs for the unemployed. Call 13 62 68 or visit www.jobnetwork.gov.au.
  
• TAFE or Private Training Providers – These organisations are often able to connect you with job seekers looking to start an apprenticeship/traineeship.
  
• Regional or metropolitan newspapers – Advertising the position in the employment section is one of the most effective ways to attract potential candidates.
  
• Employment websites – These provide cost effective advertising options. Some sites include www.jobsearch.gov.au, www.seek.com.au or www.careerone.com.au.
  
• Local schools – Contact your local schools' VET Coordinator, Careers Guidance Counsellor, Cluster Group or local Job Pathway Programme (which assists student in making the transition from school to work).
  
• Australian Technical Colleges cater for Years 11 and 12 students who wish to study their Year 12 certificate and start an Australian School-based Apprenticeship. School students are able to access combined Year 11 and 12 studies and vocational education at the Certificate III Level with a focus on the five priority industries:
  • metals and engineering
  • automotive
  • building and construction
  • electrotechnology
  • commercial cookery.

  Australian Technical Colleges support students through academic and trade training with mentoring and career advice. Certificate level courses are developed with industry input to ensure that the training offered will be relevant for local needs. The Technical College in North Queensland is located in Townsville. Call them on 1300 665 733.
  

• Australian Apprenticeships Access Program (AAAP) – Provides pre-vocational training and assistance for jobseekers. For more information, contract your local Centrelink office on 13 1021 or visit their website.
  
• Word of mouth – Sometimes the best candidates come from people you know. Ask your friends, neighbours and colleagues if they know anyone interested in starting an apprenticeship or traineeship.
• Employment Agency – You may want to use the services of an employment agency, who will find a candidate for a fee.
  

For more information, contact Queensland Apprenticeship Services.

Sign-up – To sign-up an apprentice or trainee, click here.

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