The FAQS on Building and Construction Apprenticeships

Let’s unclutter the clutter around employing an apprentice! 

Have you ever had the same questions asked by clients time and time again? Maybe you’ve even thought ‘mmmmm I should write these down and share them with our community.’ Because, chances are if your being asked by some, then there are plenty of people out there that would like to ask but just haven’t!

Over the coming weeks we will break down some of these questions – highlighting those we often get asked and then posing a question back to you, in return. All the time endeavouring to provide some very clear – ‘unvarnished’ responses.

Our sole purpose is to enhance lives through education, and that doesn’t just sit with a course or a qualification, it’s about any form of shared education – because the more we learn, listen, develop and grow its good for us, our business and our community as a whole.

So let’s start!

Why should I employ an apprentice?

1. You and /or your longer-term staff members get to share their knowledge and skills, imparting industry operations. What and how you undertake your trade, business, and any tricks of the trade for future generations;
2. An apprentice or trainee provide an economical benefit due to lower wage entry than that of a fully qualified person;
3. It keeps the future skills of your industry developing and growing – bringing new life into workplaces
4. Improve business reputation as an employer who values their employees by continuing to develop opportunities for growth, through training

Our question to you: What’s your future business look like? Employing and training an Apprentice is about the long term gain, so considering where you are heading is critical.

 

What do I get paid if I take on an Apprentice?

Our question to you: What’s your attitude to training? 

Employing an apprentice a big consideration, as, if you as the business owner, manager, HR department or learning and development manager are not committed to learning, training and sharing of knowledge for the growth of both the business and the individual (apprentice) – then seriously don’t bother.

This point cannot be stressed enough – without the commitment to this training – regardless of any government incentives which may be potentially available – undertaking training where money is the only motivator, is setting everyone up for failure.

I’m certainly not saying forget about any financial assistance, not at all, just don’t get hung up on it as the only reason to train. The value you’re showing to your employees is that you’re only doing it for the money.  I hear you say – yeah and so what’s your point – well the point is – if you the Apprentice is only undertaking the study because you told them to, so you can get your incentive payments then, how high do you think their motivation will be?

Have a good commitment and attitude to developing and improving your workforce; through training – to drive greater performance and productivity.

So the message is – find your future talent first! Achieve that and then any training incentives are money in the bank is icing on the cake – Woohoo!

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers are able to provide eligibility checks for various funding incentives which may be available.

I can’t afford to lose my apprentice for weeks at a time – I’m a small operator!

Our question to you: What type of delivery of training is best going to serve the business? 

Over the duration of the Apprenticeship/Traineeship (12 months to 4 years), the business is required to permit time for the learner to undertake the formal training required to achieve their qualification.  There are a number of training providers (private and public) delivery mechanisms available in the market place, take a look at the overview below:

 

Blended delivery (online)

Means: A mixture of on the job trainer visits, mobile or web based learning delivery, and home study;

• This is where a trainer comes to where the apprentice/ trainee is working (site) and works with them through their training requirements
• The apprentice accesses their learning material via mobile / web technology and collates portfolios of work undertaken, assessments etc
• Home study – spending time learning / reading and researching from the material provided by the training provider

 

Blended delivery (workshop)

Means: Same as the above except paper based learning delivery

• The learner completed paper based workbooks, reading material and resources are all paper based
• 100% online training delivery
• All training is provided via an online portal, no on the job training provided – can be support offered via telephone / skype / FaceTime (check with the provider to verify what is offered) as depending on the motivation of the individual – if no support provided this may lead to higher dropout rates / non completion rates

 

Block training

Means: The Apprentice is away from work for a blocked period of time.

• Whereby the apprentice / trainee attends classroom or workshop delivery sessions, which can be once a week for a duration, or anywhere between 1 to 6 weeks at a time.

 

https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/employers

https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/publications/summary-australian-government-australian-apprenticeships-incentives-programme