Australian Traineeships
Traineeships are an integral part of the Australian culture and future workforce.
Employers play a crucial role by creating job opportunities that launch careers.
Australian Existing Worker Traineeships
Existing Worker Traineeships and Government Subsidies
Your existing staff may be eligible
Each State and Territory chooses where it will dedicate their funding in support of developing Australia's workforce.
While all States and Territories subsidise training for New Entrant Workers, there are some who also subsidise training for Existing Workers.
ACCM College has been contracted to offer subsidised Existing Worker Traineeships in:
South Australia
ACT
Tasmania
This means we are able to offer a greatly reduced enrolment fee for your existing staff and your state government will subsidise the remaining training costs.
Just click on the links above to learn more about the funding in that State or Territory.
Traineeships at a Glance
The Major Components of an Existing Worker Traineeship
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The Job
The beauty of Existing Worker Traineeships is that your existing staff are given the opportunity to enhance and develop their skills.
Eligibility as an Existing Worker begins once the cut off ends to be a New Entrant Trainee.
This means if they have been a part of your organisation for longer than 3 months (FT) or 12 months (PT),
The "job" is less of a factor in an Existing Worker Traineeship, as the trainee is already a member of your organisation.
You know what they do, what they will be doing and have a good idea where you want them to go.
This will really help in determining the right qualification for their Traineeship.
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The Training Contract
The Training Contract is a formal document that is created between you (as the employer), the Trainee and your State/Territory government.
This agreement will establish the course, duration and stakeholders involved in the Traineeship contract.
This document officially starts (also referred to as lodged or commenced) the Traineeship with your State or Territory.
Don’t worry, you will have help with the government contract, forms and registration from an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP).
These Providers are contracted by the government to help facilitate Traineeships (and Apprenticeships) and they are very good at what they do.
If you don’t have a current Provider, we are happy to provide you with information about your options (you can also visit here for more information on the ACAP Providers and how they support you).
In later stages of the process, we will create a Training Plan with you for each Trainee that provides specific details like subjects, units of competency and timelines.
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The Qualification
The qualification is the formal “off-the-job” training component of the Traineeship.
The choice of qualification is sometimes very straightforward and other times more complicated.
However, help is available in choosing the right option for a Trainee.
The ACAP and/or ACCM College (as the supporting Registered Training Organisation) can help you look at the available options and choose the best fit.
The qualification is the vehicle for the Traineeship that will also bring together the “on the job” training they receive within your business.
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The Costs
As mentioned in the introduction, each State and Territory determines what training gets subsidised.
While a stronger focus is placed on New Entrant Trainees (new to the organisation), some States and Territories also ensure subsidies are available to help your existing staff reach their professional development goals as well.
Existing Worker funding is available for ACCM College to offer in South Australia, the ACT and Tasmania
The enrolment fees and availability of specific qualifications at Existing Worker Traineeships vary by State and Territory.
More information on Traineeship costs is provided further down the Traineeship information page.
How Traineeship's Benefit the Employer
Making your organisation stronger
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Upskill Staff Through Traineeships
Traineeships offer the opportunity to enrol your employee in a structured training program that will achieve a nationally recognised qualification.
Most traineeships offer elective subject choices to allow you to tailor the program to your business needs.
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Developing your future supervisors and leaders
By definition, Trainees need supervision.
One of the best ways to develop your existing staff's leadership skills is to give them responsibility for a Trainee.
Helping a new starter learn the ropes, develop their skills and become a valued member of your business will teach those skills.
Leadership opportunities like this are the perfect way to develop the managers and leaders your organisation will need in the future.
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Increase Retention and Recognition for your Existing Staff
Your current staff have proven their worth and loyalty to your organisation.
Contributing to their professional development and career growth is a straightforward way to recognise that.
History has shown that employees are more likely to stay in an organisation where they see a future and higher levels of responsibility.
An Existing Worker Traineeship, especially one that is subsidised, is a cost-effective way to achieve all of these goals.
How Existing WorkerTraineeship's Benefit your Staff
Strengthen your Organisation's Capabilities
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Nationally Recognised Qualification
As part of a Traineeship, learners will complete a formal qualification.
This qualification will directly relate to their industry and can be tailored (in most cases) to better align with the specifics of their role.
This qualification is nationally recognised and forms the foundation for future career growth and professional development.
ACCM College will work with you and your Trainee to determine the right qualification for their role and your needs.
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Structured Workplace Training
On the Job learning is a critical component of a Traineeship.
While the nationally recognised qualification provides extensive theory and practical opportunities to demonstrate their skills, the ability to use those skills in your workplace is at the heart of a Traineeship's benefits.
The skills you teach your Trainee in a real-world setting will set them up for success and a future in your industry.
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Advance Careers in your Industry
Unlike a New Entrant Trainee, allowing one of your current staff members to participate in an Existing Worker Traineeship propels them to the next level.
You have already recognised they are capable of more, this can be the vehicle to get them there.
Whether you are enhancing an existing skill set or helping them broaden their skills and experience with a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management or Diploma of Human Resources Management, a nationally recognised qualification will achieve results.
Imagine what your staff could do next.
Help To Determine Your Traineeship Options & Fees
Given the range of options across Australia, it can be difficult to easily determine the best option for you and your staff.
We really are here to help, so please just give us a call to get expert assistance with no-obligation.
Call the College on 1300 515 321 or write to us at courses@accm.edu.au to get expert advice.
Links to State Funding Information
Key Facts About Traineeships
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What are Traineeships and What Incentives are Available?
Traineeships are employment arrangements where the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments support and encourage the training of new employees.
Each state and territory determines the areas it will support as traineeships, and in many cases will subsidise the training costs. Some states and ACT offer generous payroll tax advantages for trainees.
The Commonwealth Government supports the program by offering employer incentives for employers engaging and successfully completing apprentices and trainees.
However, only those Traineeships that are on the national priority list are still eligible for Hiring Incentives and other benefits.
Currently, the qualifications offered by ACCM College are not on the National Priority list and do not attract any federal hiring incentives.
The Federal Government is currently conducting a national review to determine if a return to prior incentives should be reconsidered. We will update this page according if this information changes.
With so many different levels of government involved – traineeships can seem complicated, but they don’t need to be.
ACCM College specialises in traineeship delivery so feel free to call us and get your questions answered.
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Eligibility for Traineeships and Declared Traineeships By the State or Territory
Apprentice Connect Australia Providers determine the eligibility of employees for traineeships.
The following information is a guide to how the Traineeship system works:
1. The type of work must be declared a traineeship in the state that you wish to employ the trainee.
This government website shows the Traineeships Declared, but the College is happy to work this out for you.
2. The employee you wish to register in a traineeship must be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident.
They can also be a New Zealand passport holder who has been resident in Australia for more than six months,
Some states will allow visa holders where the specific visa allows employment and traineeships (including Special Category Visa 444 which allows New Zealand Citizens to work and study in Australia for an unlimited period).
3. The employee cannot already hold a formal qualification (but see the many exceptions to this rule below).
See the NSW Traineeship rules (including for New Zealand Citizens).
Contact us to arrange specific advice from an Apprentice Connect Australia Providers or refer to http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au.
In NSW the Vocational Training Orders that declare a Traineeship are published on the Training Services NSW site.
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Impact of Past Qualifications
Previous qualifications are not an automatic disqualifier from being a Trainee and attracting government subsidies and incentives.
While this used to be a factor, the guidelines have changed a great deal in recent years and it's best to check.
The rules vary by State and Territory about what is allowable.
An Apprentice Connect Australia Provider consider and determine the specific qualifications held by any potential trainees, as there are many exceptions and rules.
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New Entrant Trainees
To be registered as a New Entrant Trainee, a new employee must be registered as a Trainee within three months of commencing work or within 12 months for part-time employees.
Federal Employer incentives (if available) only apply to New Entrant Trainees.
Payroll Tax exemptions or rebates may also apply based on your State or Territory and specific business situation (please check with your Accountant).
For most states the training costs for many New Entrant Traineeships is subsidised by the State/Territory Government.
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Existing Worker Traineeships
Employees registered as trainees who have been employed longer than the time frames for New Entrant status are called Existing Worker Trainees.
Existing employees can be registered as trainees.
The benefits or reasons to do this vary from state to state:
- Existing Worker traineeships in ACCM College qualification areas do NOT attract Employer incentives in any state.
- Payroll Tax rebates and exemptions do NOT apply to Existing Worker Traineeships.
- In the ACT, South Australia and Tasmania, the training costs for some Existing Worker Traineeships is subsidised. Refer to each state for rules and qualifications subsidised.
- Registration as an Existing Worker Traineeship prohibits the training to be subsidised under other available subsidised training programs offered by the various states.
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There is no maximum age to be a Trainee
Traineeships are suitable for all employees, however some State and Territories do have minimum age requirements for Traineeships.
For more details on minimum age requirements please contact your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider or ACCM College for specific information.
Our course materials are based on work place skills, so no matter how old your employees are, they will still benefit from the course.
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Traineeship Employer Incentives
Quick Summary: The Australian Apprenticeship Incentive Guidelines have changed
Always check here for the most up to date guidance!
For Traineeships that commenced after 30 June 2024
The Federal Incentives only apply to qualifications on the National Skills Priority list.
Currently, the qualifications on offer with ACCM College do not attract federal hiring incentives.
For Traineeships that commenced after 1 July 2022 but BEFORE 30 June 2024:
$1750 at 6 months from “date of commencement” and $1750 at the six month mark after the effective date of the first date.
For Traineeships that commenced prior to 30 June 2022:
$4000 per FT new entrant trainee, $1500 per PT new entrant trainee
For new full-time trainees of $1500 is claimable at the six month mark of their traineeship, and $2500 at completion.
For new part-time trainees the $1500 is claimable at completion of the traineeship.
How are incentives managed?
Incentives are subject to traineeship eligibility criteria, waiting periods and time limits being met. Your Apprenticeship Support Network provider will assess your trainees eligibility for incentives.
The information provided on this page is for general information only and should not be relied upon because it is subject to change and may not reflect your exact circumstances.
This information is subject to change, always refer to http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/ for current information.
Current as of Nov 2024
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Payroll Tax Rebate Benefits
NSW, QLD, WA, TAS and ACT offer an exemption and/or rebate on the wages of New Entrant trainees.
If you are paying or liable to pay Payroll Tax – this can be a significant saving amounting to thousands of dollars.
Current details on Payroll Tax Rebates for your State or Territory can be found here:
Please click on the picture above to download ACCM College's Payroll Tax Rebate handout.
This will help explain how this financial consideration is calculated and how it can help employers offset the costs of Traineeships.
Contact your Accountant or the relevant government body in your state to determine whether you will attract an exemption or rebate, and at what rate and for what period of time.
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State Government Subsidy Support to Pay for Training
The cost of the training provided by the College may be subsidised by your State or Territory Government.
Each State and Territory determines which courses it will subsidise, and to what extent.
Our courses pages will provide an accurate price or estimate.
All State and Territories currently require an employer contribution (NSW is currently offering a Fee-Free Traineeship program).
ACT, South Australia and Tasmania also subsidise the costs for some Existing Worker traineeships.
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Employer Obligations Under Traineeships
Taking on a trainee can be a step forward for many businesses to train and grow their key staff for the future. It provides an opportunity for an extra set of hands that is motivated and keen to learn.
Under the Traineeship Training Contract the employer must provide a workplace environment that supports the trainee's learning, and allows approximately 3 hours per week towards learning activities. ACT requires a higher level of time commitment of 20% of the Trainee's paid work hours.
Employers enrolling their employees as students are responsible to:
- Provide appropriate on-the-job training, support and supervision
- Ensure their employees have access to the full range of work that is required on-the-job to complete the assessment tasks
- Notify the College if there are any matters affecting their ability to complete the qualification due to work related barriers
- Comply with Traineeship requirements if applicable.
- Sign all Workplace Verification Checklists, Assessment Submissions and Training Plans.
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The Role of a Supervisor of a Trainee
As a supervisor you will act as a role model and coach for the trainee.
The trainee will look to you for guidance and help in learning to do their job.
You also have responsibilities to talk to ACCM College about the trainee's progress.
ACCM College provides you the on-line ability to see their progress 24/7.
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Trainee Obligations
Trainees also have obligations under a traineeship arrangement.
The key obligations that affect their formal qualification are:
- Regular and active participation in training
- Seeking help when it is needed
- Making contact with ACCM College as required to undertake skills assessments
- Following ACCM College Policies
- Submitting your original work in assessments
- Participating in any workplace training provided by your employer or ACCM College.
- Attending any training or progress meetings with ACCM College.
- Notifying your employer and ACCM College if you are having any difficulties completing the tasks or workbooks.
- Notifying ACCM College if you leave your employer during the term of a traineeship.
- Meeting the ACCM College Student Participation Standards
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Trainee Rates of Pay
Rates of pay are a matter for your relevant Award or the National Training Wage. The Department of Fair Work could assist you if you are unsure.