Apprenticeship Help & Advice For Automotive

VACC Apprenticeship Helpline - (03) 9829 1133 Email: cgogerly@vacc.com.au

The VACC Apprenticeship Helpline is a free apprenticeship support service to all employers and apprentices in the automotive industry across Melbourne and Victoria. If an apprentice has started or recommenced an apprenticeship, a training contract needs to be completed by both parties. Contact needs to be made with an Australian Apprenticeships Centre (AAC) within 2 weeks from the start date. They will then book an appointment to come out and complete a training contract. All AAC services are free. Ph 03 9829 1133.

Services & Incentives advice:

General Info

• Free service to complete a Training Contract – within 2 weeks from the start date. Ph 03 9829 1133

• Contact List – find a job or advertise a job -  approx 20 website links & 6 phone numbers. Ph 03 9829 1133

• Credit Requests – for previous placements in the same trade to reduce time. Ph 03 9829 1133

• How to Calculate Anniversary Dates – pay increments for apprentices recommencing from another employer. Don't get caught out with massive back pay. Call to check anniversary date. Ph 03 9829 1133

• For recommencing apprentices, check the previous training contract has been cancelled and do a new training contract to register the apprenticeship. Ph 03 9829 1133

• Fast Visa checking service (with permission from applicant). Need passport number, passport country,name and date of birth. Ph 03 9829 1133

• Suspension Form - used for shortage of work, Illness, Travel Overseas, Injury related to work, Injury not related to work, Maternity Leave.  Puts the apprenticeship on hold an readjusts completion date.Ph 03 9829 1133

• Variation to the Training Contract  Form- used for a number of things - Extension of completion date, Change of Registered Training Organisation, Change of Attendance Type, Change of Apprentice Name, Change of Qualification (within 3 mths from startdate). Ph 03 9829 1133

• Statement Of Completion Form - used to complete an apprenticeship before the nominal completion date. Off-the-Job training and On-the-job training needs to be completed and the apprentice needs to be working at a qualified level.  Ph 03 9829 1133

• Notification Of Change Of Employer Details  Form - Used when a business is sold. In order for the new business to be eligible for any employer incentives this form must be completed showing old and new business details and date of sale. Apprentices are classified as an asset and move accross with the sale of the business. There is no additional probationary period with change of ownership. Ph 03 8929 1133

• Cancellation forms - For apprenticeships there are 2 forms. One for the employer and one for the apprentice to complete once both parties come to an agreement on the cancellation date and appropriate notice is given. Ph 9829 1133

Competency Based Progressions & Completions - Pay Increments for Automotive Apprentices now flexible - For starts from 01/01/2011 (no longer time based).

As from 01/01/2011 competency based progression and completion commenced for automotive apprenticeships - (new starts in Victoria).

Apprenticeship start dates before 01/01/2011 remain on the old system of 12 month pay increments up until completion of the apprenticeship.  If approved by the employer and the RTO, they may be able to apply for early release if deemed competent (working up to a qualified level) by both parties before the nominal completion date.

How It Is Supposed to Work

A Negotiated Training Plan (NTP) organised by the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) outlines the levels of training required for the apprenticeship. Each completed level is verified and signed off by the employer after checking the apprentice's Training Record Book (TRB) also provided by the RTO. e.g TAFE or Private Provider.

The TRB is used to keep detailed track of the apprentice's progression through the apprenticeship with the employer signing off on a unit once the apprentice becomes competent in that particular unit. Completion of a unit may require several attempts to reach competency.

When an employer signs off on the first section of the NTP confirming the apprentice has completed all 1st level on-the-job and off-the-job training components (from the TRB); at this point of time the apprentice will go to 2nd year pay rates and so on until completion of the apprenticeship. 

Alternatively if the NTP is not adhered to . You would have to calculate each 25% of training completed (on-the-job and off-the-Job), as time for a pay increase, up until completion of the apprenticeship. If in doubt of how much as been completed, contact your Training Provider (RTO).

As a safety net if the apprentice reaches the 12 month point and is yet to complete 1st level, the pay increase to 2nd year pay rates will occur, but only in limited circumstances (e.g illness or a pressing domestic issue). Speak to VACC Industrial Relations for further advice. Ph 03 9829 1123. Or your local TAFE. Ph 131 823

http://www.skills.vic.gov.au/apprentices/competency-based-training-and-completion

Potential Employer Incentives (Certificate 3)

• $4000 Australian Government standard incentives. $1500 commencement & $2500 completion incentive. Note: recommencement incentive is only $750 for apprentices with previous employers - (usually no commencement incentive payable). Ph 03 9829 1133 http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/Info_Emps/Incentives.asp

• $13,000 Support for Adult Australian Apprentices  Wage Subsidy – 25 yrs and above entering a skills shortage trade – Once assessed by the AAC, the wage subsidy may be paid to either apprentice or employer over the first 2 years of the apprenticeship.  Employers may be eligible to receive the subsidy if they pay The National Minimum Wage rate or above: http://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/national-minimum-wage/Pages/default.aspx  Payments are: $150/wk 1st yr, $100/wk 2nd yr - claim forms are lodged to the AAC and paid in arrears. For Further information:  http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/Info_Aus_Apps/Support.asp  Ph 13 38 73

• $21,000 Disabled Apprentice Wage Support - approx $103/wk wage subsidy & help with tuition at TAFE. Ph 13 38 73   http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/FAQ/Publications.asp

Potential Apprentice Incentives (Certificate 3) - including skills shortage trades

• $5500 Tools For Your Trade Payment - starts from 01/01/2011  or starts from 01/01/2009 - milestone points - $800 @ 3mths, $1000@ 12mths, 24 mths, $1200 @ 36 mths &  $1500 on completion Ph 13 38 73 http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/Info_Aus_Apps/Overview.asp

• $3800 Tools For Your Trade Payments - starts on or before 31/12/2008 - $800 @ 3mths,  $800 @ 12mths & 24 mths, $700 @ 36mths & $700 @ completion.

• $500 Apprentice Trade Bonus (Victoria) - $250 @ 6, 12 mths Ph 1300 855 282 http://www.skills.vic.gov.au/apprentices/financial-assistance/apprentice-trade-bonus-program

• $7300 Living Away From Home Allowance -  approx ($77/wk 1st yr, $38/wk 2nd yr, $25/wk 3rd yr) Ph 13 38 73 http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/FAQ/Publications.asp

• Youth Allowance – available to apprenticeships and traineeships - Centrelink Ph 13 36  33  http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/youth_allow.htm

• Low Income Health Care Card - for discounts etc including TAFE fees - Centrelink Ph 13 36 33 http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/forms/ss050.htm

• $13,000 Support for Adult Australian Apprentices  Wage Subsidy – 25 yrs and above entering a skills shortage trade – Once assessed by the AAC, the wage subsidy may be paid to either apprentice or employer over the first 2 years of the apprenticeship.  Apprentices may be eligible to receive the subsidy if the employer pays below The National Minimum Wage rate: http://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/national-minimum-wage/Pages/default.aspx  Payments are: $150/wk 1st yr, $100/wk 2nd yr - claim forms are lodged to the AAC and paid in arrears. For Further information:  Ph 13 38 73 http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/Info_Aus_Apps/Support.asp    

Forms Used to Change/Adjust Apprenticeships

• Cancellation forms for Certificate 3 - seperate employer & apprentice forms to be completed - notice required Ph 03 9829 1133. (for problems contact an Apprenticeship Field Officer) Ph 1300 722 603

• Variation Forms -  used for changes in the current training contract e.g. Change of Training Provider  Ph 03 9829 1133

• Suspension Forms – adjustments to time - unable to work due to accident, sickness, work shortages long term overseas holidays, Ph 03 9829 1133

• Statement of Completion forms - for apprentices completing before the nominal completion date Ph 03 9829 1133

A few points to remember when employing an apprentice:

• Apprenticeships can be started at any time during the year unlike secondary schools and universities.

• Always ask for a resume and check references to ensure information matches what you have been told by the applicant.

• If taking on an out of trade apprentice (from a previous employer) - ask for a progress report to gauge the level of schooling they have acheived. Ask for a copy of the cancellation form to ensure that the previous training contract has been cancelled. When an apprentice changes employers they need to cancel the current contract and do a new training contract with the new employer. The apprenticeship duration will be reduced from time served. Ph 9829 1133

• Any fees paid by an apprentice for the purpose of the apprenticeship, shall be reimbursed by the employer upon satisfactory conduct reports from the training provider.eg TAFE.

• TAFE/ Training Provider Fees can be expensive. Valid Health Care Cards may provide significant fee concessions. Fee rates are pro rata as the year moves along.

• Prior to the start date of employment, your new apprentice should sign an "Offer of Employment" letter. Contact VACC Industrial Relations for a copy to be posted, faxed or emailed. Ph 03 9829 1123.

• Contact  needs to be made with an Australian Apprenticeships Centre person within 2 weeks from the start date of the apprenticeship. They will then book an appointment to complete a Training Contract. As soon as you decide on a start date call. The Training Contract can only be back dated no more than two weeks from the time you make contact. Ph 03 9829 1133.

• If you wish to pay apprenticeship rates, the applicant needs to be apprenticed to the company via the Training Contract. If you do not go ahead with a Training Contract, then you will need to pay the appropriate pay rates. Contact VACC Industrial Relations for these rates. Ph 03 9829 1123.

• The Training Contract includes a 3 month probationary period, during which either party can terminate the apprenticeship given one weeks notice without any repercussions. An Apprentice or Employer cancellation form needs to be lodged to your Apprenticeships Centre (only one is form is required during probation). Ph 03 9829 1133

• Training Contracts are a legal document and must be completed by an authorised person. An authorised person is one who represents an Australian Apprenticeships Centre. These centres are contracted by the Department of Employment, Education & Workplace Relations to carry out such duties.

• You have a duty of care to provide a safe workplace environment with structured training and supervision: signing off on units completed as the apprentice progresses through the Training Record Book to completion of the apprenticeship.

• Keep open good communication lines between yourself and your apprentice. This will go a long way in creating a good working relationship and hopefully creating a long term employee and a valued asset to your business.