From left to right: Chris Gogerly, Brigitte Reinbold, Geoff Collins

Overview
VACC Apprenticeship/Traineeship help and advisory service is a free support service to all employers and apprentices in the automotive industry.

This service is available to metro and regional employers and apprentices in the automotive industry.  This program has been operating since May 1998. Geoff Collins and Brigitte Reinbold are authorised Australian Apprenticeship Centre representatives from MEGT Australian Apprenticeships Centre and provide an industry specific service to the
automotive industry in Victoria.

Chris Gogerly provides an apprenticeship helpline at VACC house.

A major service provided by Geoff and Brigitte is support in the completion of Training Contracts to formally register an apprentice with the State Training Authority.

Geoff and Brigitte can also advise apprentices and trainees about the industry they are entering and provide details
of further post trade business or technical related courses available to them. Responsibilities and entitlements
under a Training Contract are discussed. Details of award rates of pay are given, along with information about
current Australian and State apprenticeship incentives.

The service currently provides administration and ongoing support to 4000 Victorian automotive apprentices and
their employers.

Geoff and Brigitte are also available to call in and speak to employers and apprentices if difficulties are encountered
during an apprenticeship or traineeship. Should the situation be severe, they will refer you to an Apprenticeship Field Officer who can be contacted to act as a mediator between both parties and resolve the issue.

Apprenticeship services and advice provided:

• Free service to complete a Training Contract – to be done within 2 weeks from the start date
• Contact List – to advertise a vacancy - websites & phone numbers – listing available on request
• Australian Government Incentives – to employers – up to $4000 depending on circumstances
• Apprentice Completion Bonus – for employers with 3 or more apprentices - up to $3500
• Mid Career Apprenticeships – 30 yrs and above – Wage subsidy approx $13,000 over 2 yrs
• Apprentice Wage Top up – under 30 yr olds - $500 x 4 over first 2 years of apprenticeship
• Apprentice Training Voucher - $500 x 2 - for 1^st & 2^nd year TAFE fees reimbursement
• Tools for Your Trade – ph 1800 557 875 -  $800 free toolbox for 1^st year apprentices
• Apprentice Trade Bonus Scheme – ph 1300 855 282 - $250 x 2 for 1st yr apprentices
• Commonwealth Trade Learning Scholarship - $500 x 2 over 2 yrs to apprentices
• Youth Allowance – extended for apprenticeships/traineeships - Centrelink ph 13 36 33
• Cancellation Forms - via post, fax or email (and if needed AFO contact for help – for severe disputes)
• Variation Forms - to make changes in the current training contract e.g. Change of RTO
• Suspension Forms – adjustments to time - unable to work due to accident, sickness or work shortages
• Early Release Forms –  Now called Statement of Completion forms - for apprentices completing before the nominal completion date
• Credit Requests – for previous apprenticeship placements in the same trade to reduce time
• How to Calculate Anniversary Dates – pay increments for apprentices recommencing from another employer. You still need to do a new training contract and ensure the previous one has been cancelled.

A few points to remember when employing an apprentice or trainee:

• The new employee prior to commencement of employment should sign an "Offer of Employment" letter. (Copies available from VACC Industrial Relations Ph 9829 1123).
• Apprentices must be signed up into a training contract within 2 weeks from the start date. There is a 3 month probationary period included in the training contact - Ph 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 Apprenticeship Centre (e.g Geoff/Brigitte). These centres are
  contracted by the Department of Employment, Education & Workplace Relations to carry out such duties.
• All Training Contracts must be lodged with an Australian Apprenticeship Centre.
• You should monitor the performance of your new employee continually and provide ongoing training and support. We recommend that you allow anywhere between 2 - 6 weeks for the apprentice/trainee to settle into the workplace, before making an informed judgement about the apprentice/trainee's capacity to make a successful career in the industry. You also should bear in mind, that apprentices or trainees that you indenture, will also be evaluating your capacity as a mentor and as an employer.  

Apprenticeship Help & Advice Contacts:

Chris Gogerly - VACC Apprenticeship Helpline - (03) 9829 1133. Email: cgogerly@vacc.com.au
Geoff Collins - MEGT Australian Apprenticeships Centre Representative - 0419 884 371
Brigitte Reinbold -MEGT Australian Apprenticeships Centre Representative - 0407 109 634

Alternatively click here for a document that may also be emailed or faxed to VACC should you wish to notify us of a trainee or apprentice you want to sign up.