Australian Apprentice Support Network

AASN Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we have helped with

• What is ACCM's delivery method?

  ACCM College's delivery method is online/distance education.

  All of our learning and assessment materials are hosted on our internally designed and developed Learning Management System (LMS) called Webclass.

  Webclass is the culmination of 27 years of experience in distance education and incorporates the vital feedback from our stakeholders.

  Students and employers have raved about the quality, ease of use and strength of our online programs.

   

• Do you offer face to face training or workshops?

  ACCM College's primary delivery method is online/distance learning.

  Where a face to face component is requested/required by an employer, please let us know.

  Traditional facilitator-led face to face learning does not align well with our online materials or delivery method.

  However, we have had fantastic success with periodic/scheduled coaching sessions for groups/cohorts via video session (e.g. Microsoft Teams or Zoom).

  Coaching sessions allow ACCM to provide:

  • opportunity to complete Skills Checks and Role Plays
  • overview of subjects and assessments prior to starting new material
  • ability to provide specific coaching or answering questions (individually or as a group).

   

  ACCM is always interested in finding the best solution with clients, so please let us know what is needed and we will help.

   

• Trainees working from home

  Different States have different rules about trainees working from home (WFH).

  The concern is that a trainee in a WFH environment does not have any on the spot supervision or ready access to support. 

  Furthermore, the provision of the critical hands-on training and oversight that is at the heart of a traineeship is not present.

  Training Services NSW has not put forth specific guidance on this issue, however we have seen a dramatic increase in new (and existing) traineeships that are being rejected or closed due to the trainee not working in a workplace setting.

  Whereas Queensland Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training has made it clear that trainees must be in the same physical location as their supervisor, to provide the level of training and oversight required for a traineeship.

  We recommend the Regional State Training office is engaged to see if this will be allowed for each specific circumstance prior to sign up if the trainee is or may be working from home (or other location separate from direct supervision).

   

   

• What is The Duration of a Specific Traineeship?

  The duration of a Traineeship varies based on:

  1.  The State or Territory it is offered in e.g. a BSB30120 Certificate III in Business is a 12 month Traineeship in NSW, but is 18 months in South Australia.

   2.  Advanced Standing

  Some qualifications will be shorter than the nominal Traineeship length if the Trainee is considered to have Advanced Standing.

  Normally, this will apply to Certificate IV and Diploma qualifications where the duration is reduced from 24 months to 12 months.

  Please note: NSW Traineeships with Advanced Standing will have a different VTO then the normal duration Traineeship. 

  For the exact VTO, see the list of all NSW VTOs further down this page.

   

  For more detailed information on each State or Territory nominal duration, check out the AA Pathway links at the bottom of this page!

• Where Can I Find Information on Federal Incentives?

  The new information regarding Federal Incentives has been well circulated since they first became public in July 2022.

  However, recent conversations with some employers revealed there is still some potential confusion about the impact of Early Completions for one-year Traineeships.

  Under the new guidelines, which can be found via the link below, the second Hiring Incentive payment is only payable six months after the first Effect Date payment (See Part D, Section 2.4 Claiming Payments and Section 2.5b Early Completions).

  https://www.dewr.gov.au/download/13995/australian-apprenticeships-incentive-system-guidelines/31857/australian-apprenticeships-incentive-system-guildeines/pdf/en

  This means that if a Traineeship completes prior to the second effective date (which will normally be at the one year point from the Traineeship Commencement date), the second Hiring Incentive payment (typically $1750 for full-time Trainees) will not be issued.

  This may not be a factor for many employers and their Trainees who will use the full term of their Traineeship (one or two years for full time Trainees).

  However, we have advised our employers to keep this in mind when working with the Trainee if an early completion is being considered that will occur prior to the one year point being reached.  

  Importantly, completing even a small time (e.g. 1 day) prior to the second Effect date will negate the Second Payment.

  We have also encouraged our employers to reach out to their AASN representative with any questions or concerns, as we know you are the single best resource for them.

• What is The Earliest an Employer Can Complete Their Trainees and Still Receive Their Full Incentives?

  The minimum time frame is one FULL year from the sign up date.

  Under the new guidelines, which can be found via the link below, the second Hiring Incentive payment is only payable six months after the first Effect Date payment (See Part D, Section 2.4 Claiming Payments and Section 2.5b Early Completions).

  https://www.dewr.gov.au/download/13995/australian-apprenticeships-incentive-system-guidelines/31857/australian-apprenticeships-incentive-system-guildeines/pdf/en

  This means that if a Traineeship completes prior to the second effective date (which will normally be at the one year point from the Traineeship Commencement date), the second Hiring Incentive payment (typically $1750 for full-time Trainees) will not be issued.

  This may not be a factor for many employers and their Trainees who will use the full term of their Traineeship (one or two years for full time Trainees).

  However, we have advised our employers to keep this in mind when working with the Trainee if an early completion is being considered that will occur prior to the one year point being reached. 

  Importantly, completing even a small time (e.g. 1 day) prior to the second Effect date will negate the Second Payment.

  We have also encouraged our employers to reach out to their AASN representative with any questions or concerns, as we know you are the single best resource for them.