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About Traineeships

 

Traineeship Funding and Payroll Tax Rebates

Get assistance in understanding the benefits of a traineeship program

Employer Incentives

Payroll Tax Rebates

Upskill New Staff

Three Simple Steps To Arrange Traineeships

 1. Speak to us to get details. If you are unsure if your employee(s) qualify - then let us check for you.

2. Let us arrange traineeship registration.

3. Your trainee enrols online in 7 minutes.

 

ACCM College specialises in traineeship delivery and is one of the largest traineeship support training providers in our areas of expertise: business, IT, supply chain and accounting.

Our traineeship students continue to grow.

This is due to high levels of client, employer, trainee and Group Training Organisation satisfaction with what we do.  

We keep you informed on your trainee's progress and key milestones to ensure the program runs smoothly. 

 

3 Rewards of Traineeships

  • Traineeship Employer Incentives

    Quick Summary: The Australian Apprenticeship Incentive Guidelines have changed

    Always check here for the most up to date guidance!

    Currently, for Traineeships that commenced after 1 July 2022:

    $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 July 2022

  • Payroll Tax Rebate Benefits

    NSW, QLD 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 and downloadable brochures are available in the Payroll Tax section below.

  • 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.

Traineeship Enrolment Fees

  • Traineeship Fees Payable By Employer

    Fees are invoiced to the employer unless an agreement is in place to directly invoice the trainee.

     

    Queensland only

    Queensland mandates a Student Contribution Fee as part of all Traineeship programs.

    Where the employer wish to have the Trainee pay this fee, please ensure ACCM College is made aware of this requirement.

    For more information on this Fee, please refer to the Queensland Accordion entry in this section.

  • NSW Traineeship Fees

    For Trainees registered under NSW Smart and Skilled, the fees are as specified in the NSW Skills List pricing schedule applicable at the date of enrolment for that qualification.

    As at July 2023 the standard Enrolment Fee for New Entrant Trainees remains at $0, but check this information using the Fee Checker on the relevant course website page.

    For a Traineeship not on the NSW Smart and Skilled funding list, or not within the College's funding allocation, fees will be as per the College published Employer Program price or as agreed with the client on a fee for service basis.

    The fees cover the required minimum number of units to complete the qualification.

    For Credit Transfers fees are reduced in accordance with Smart and Skilled rules (however where the fee is $0, Credit Transfers will not reduce the fee further).

    Refer to the NSW Skills List found here.

    Updated August 2023

  • Queensland Traineeship Fees

    Understanding Traineeships Fees in Queensland

    ACCM fully understands the below information can be difficult to follow.  If you have any questions regarding any of this information please reach out to us and we are more than willing to explain the below in detail.

    The fee displayed on the Course Page is a cumulative fee that shows the Student Contribution Fee and if required an Employer Fee (explained in detail below) as a displayed total.

    Understanding the Student Contribution Fee

    For all state-subsidised Traineeships in Queensland delivered under Skills Assure, a Student Contribution fee applies.

    There may be an additional employer fee (explained below), however all Traineeship require the Student Contribution Fee, except as outlined in a further paragraph.

    The Student Contribution Fee varies based on the exact Units of Competency selected for the Qualification to be completed as part of the Traineeship.

    Each Unit of Competency is allocated a “nominal hours” fee (ie 20 hr, 25 hrs, etc) by the government that is tied to State-subsidised funding, and is not a factor in the length of time the Unit should take to achieve to complete.  It is purely part of a funding determination process.

    The QLD Student Contribution fee is currently $1.60 per nominal hour for all Units in the Qualification.

    The fees quoted on each specific course page in the Fee Checker are a nominative fee (placeholder fee) which will vary based on the actual Units of Competency chosen as well as any reductions/exemptions outlined in this section.

    To repeat, the nominative fee displayed is based on this preliminary Student Contribution Fee AND any potential employer fees.

    In most cases, the Employer chooses to pay the Student Contribution Fee on behalf of the Trainee, but not always. 

    This decision is made between the Employer and the Trainee, and is not part of the RTO’s oversight.

     

    Student Contribution Fee Reductions and Exemptions

    Under the User Choice Policy, a Partial Exemption of the Student Contribution Fees applies for certain categories.

    Per the QLD User Choice Policy found here: 

    2.6.2 Partial exemption - tuition fees

    The SAS (ACCM College) must charge 40 per cent of the student contribution fee where the participant falls into one or more of the following exemption categories:

    (a) The participant was or will be under 17 years of age at the end of February in the year in which the SAS provides training, and the participant is not at school and has not completed year 12.

    (b) The participant holds a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card issued under Commonwealth law, or is the partner or a dependant of a person who holds a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and is named on the card.

    (c) The participant issues the SAS with an official form under Commonwealth law confirming that the participant, his or her partner or the person of whom the participant is a dependant, is entitled to concessions under a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.

    (d) The participant is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. Acceptable evidence is as stated on the Training Contract and AVETMISS VET Enrolment Form.

    2.6.3 Full Exemption of Student Contribution Fee

    The SAS may apply full exemption from the student contribution fee where the participant falls into one or more of the following exemption categories:

    (a) Where payment of the student contribution fee would cause extreme financial hardship, then the SAS may waive these fees

    1. The fee waiver process should be in place at the time of the participant’s enrolment.
    2. For 2.6.3 (a) of this Fees and Charges section, the SAS must have a reasonable internal process to manage an appeal about the outcome of an application under financial hardship.

    (b) Where the Queensland Government, as represented by the departmental officer responsible for the User Choice budget, advises in writing that fees are optional. On receipt of such advice, the SAS may choose not to collect the student contribution fee. In this circumstance, any decision by the SAS not to collect fees does not create a liability for the department. The SAS may not apply for reimbursement by the department of fee revenue foregone.

    Refer to the User Choice Price List, as published on the department’s website, for information on where fee exemptions are applicable. The SAS must apply full exemption from the student contribution fee where the participant falls into one or more of the following exemption categories:

    (a) where credit transfer/national recognition has been applied to a unit of competency/module

    (b) the participant is a school-based apprentice or trainee

    (c) the participant is undertaking a qualification as part of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work – Work Skills Traineeship program.

     

    ACCM Required Employer Fee

    In some cases, where state-subsidies do not fully cover training costs, an additional Employer Fee will apply, these are includes in the quoted cost as shown on the Fee Tracker.

    This is allowable under the QLD User Choice Policy found here: 

    2.6.5 Additional charges

    Employer/industry The SAS may seek additional charges from the employer/industry. Any additional charges must be negotiated up-front and disclosed to the employer/industry prior to the participant’s enrolment.

    In cases where the Employer does not intend to pay for the Student Contribution Fee, please let ACCM College know and we will provide a detailed breakdown of costs to assist.

     

    Unfunded or non-State Funded Traineeships

    For a Traineeship not on the funding list, or not within ACCM's funding allocation, Traineeship fees will be as per the College's published Employer Program price or as agreed with the client on a fee for service basis.

    For example, the TLI30321 Certificate III in Supply Chain is a funded Traineeship in Queensland, however it is not on ACCM's approved Traineeship list under User's Choice.

    ACCM is still able to deliver this as a Traineeship, however as we will not receive any state-subsidy, the fee will be the same as a private or Employer Program price.

     

    ACCM fully understands the aboveinformation can be difficult to follow.  If you have any questions regarding any of this information please reach out to us and we are more than willing to explain the below in detail.

  • Western Australian Traineeship Fees

    Course Fees are the published standard fees for Employer Programs, or as varied in a Client Services Agreement.

     

  • ACT Traineeship Fees

    ACT traineeship fees vary by the course undertaken.

    ACT subsidises most traineeship qualifications delivered by the College. 

    Each Course page has a Fee Checker that will allow the fee to be calculated.

    The correct fee will also display for your enrolment category and course when you apply on-line to enrol.

  • Tasmanian Traineeship Fees

    ACCM College has a limited Traineeship contract in Tasmania.

    Each qualification requires a specific application to be delivered as a Traineeship.  

    Where a contract is available, the specific course pages quote the traineeship fees in the Fee Checker.

    Course Fees for other traineeship qualifications are the published Employer Program standard fees, or as varied in a Client Services Agreement.

  • Victorian Traineeship Fees

    Course Fees are the published standard fees for Employer Programs, or as varied in a Client Services Agreement.

  • South Australia Traineeship Fees

    Course Fees are the published standard fees for Employer Programs, or as varied in a Client Services Agreement.

     

  • Northern Territory Traineeship Fees

    Course Fees are the published standard fees for Employer Programs, or as varied in a Client Services Agreement.

School Based Traineeships

  • What are School Based Trainees?

     Australian School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are an important part of the National Australian Apprenticeship system. They develop the skills of young people and provide employers with keen and motivated young staff ready to learn about their chosen industry.

    The program combines paid part-time work, formal studies in that vocational field and allows the student to stay in school and finish their secondary education as well as a vocational qualification.

  • Benefits to Young People

    They allow students to achieve a nationally recognised qualification through combining formal training with practical paid employment. The students remain registered at school and have the workplace learning counted towards their senior school studies.

    So for young people there is no better opportunity – a chance to develop their skills and knowledge in a real work environment, while still completing their senior school studies.

     

  • Benefits to Employers

    For employers, School Based Traineeships offer an immediate flexible staffing option, as well as the opportunity to develop a pool of potential staff for the future. The paid work conducted by a School Based Trainee is scheduled to meet the needs of the employer and the minimum work requirements of School Based Trainees in that state. 

    Each state and territory sets the formal rules about how many hours and how regularly a School Based Trainee must work.

    The rules are designed around ensuring:

    • A minimum number of hours are worked over each year
    • Regularity of work
    • The ability to manage work and school and study commitments

     The rules allow flexible options such as the school student working Thursday nights, or Saturdays during main school periods and more hours during school holidays. Some options allow work during a standard working week, subject to school commitments being able to be met.

  • Role of ACCM with School Based Trainees

    Under School Based Traineeships the student must complete a vocational certificate. This involves study (just like at school) but in that vocational field.

    Under School Based Traineeships the student, their school, their employer and the College agree on when the student will work and when they will complete their College vocational studies. These times work around school attendance requirements.

  • What School Students are Eligible?

    Any school student can be a School Based Trainee. There are no academic entry requirements, other than suitability for that vocation.

    They simply need a career goal, an employer who will give them a chance, and obtain agreement from the school that they can undertake the School Based Traineeship in conjunction with normal school requirements.

    The formal eligibility criteria to enter a School Based Traineeship are that the student must:

    • Be at least 15 years of age
    • Be enrolled at a school and continue school studies
    • Undertake part-time work with an employer
    • Undertake structured industry approved training in conjunction with their employer and training organisation

     To be eligible for a School Based Traineeship a student must be an Australian citizen, Australian Visa holder, permanent resident or New Zealand passport holder resident for more than 6 months.

Help To Determine Your Traineeship Options & Fees

Given the range of enrolment options across all of Australia, it can be time consuming to determine the best option for you. 

If you would like to know the ins and outs, you might like to refer to our comprehensive list of FAQs about Traineeships on the Traineeships Page

And, yes - it can be complicated! So call us to get expert no-obligation assistance.  

Call the College on 1300 515 321 to get expert advice.

 

College Role in Traineeships

  • Step 1. Agree on Workplace Resources Needed

    Each vocational course has different workplace needs. We simply confirm that you have in place what is needed and agree on solutions for any issues identified. 

  • Step 2. Determining Specific Trainee Needs

    Each trainee has unique needs. We start by getting them to provide us with information so that we can discuss how we can best support them. This also ensures that they are aware of their obligations.

     

  • Step 3. Determine the Training Plan

    This involves determining the best subjects to suit your work environment. The assessments for each subject are timetabled to be achieved so that the formal component of the traineeship is completed as quickly as possible – allowing the remaining time to be dedicated on further developing workplace skills.

  • Step 4. Providing Quality Learning Resources and Structured Assessments

    Trainees have immediate access to high quality learning resources that they can access 24/7. This puts them in full control to best use the times at work that are most suitable for their studies. The materials are designed to allow them to do small parts at a time – so they give the best flexibility for a work environment.

  • Step 5. Staying in Touch with Trainees

    We ask trainees to make regular contact with us – but we are also proactive in contacting them.

    Trainees can simply give us a phone call when they need help with the learning materials or they can book times in advance.

    Many assessments are structured to require trainees to interact with the College by phone so that we know they are making progress on specific subjects.

  • Step 6. Updating You on Trainee Progress and Issues

    We recognise that many employers may not be readily available on the phone, so we have created the Employer Dashboard to ensure you have up to date information about your Trainee's progress.

    This also ensures that you are fully aware of any progress issues that may impact completion (and completion incentive payment) and have the opportunity to address those issues.

  • Step 7. Escalating Issues

    From time to time there are issues with a trainee's progress. You will be advised both informally and formally to ensure that you are aware of the situation, and that all parties are doing what they can to resolve the problem.

    In some instances we are required to advise the relevant state Department of Education if there are trainee progress issues. This will only happen after we have tried to resolve the problem directly with you. 

  • Step 8. Subject Completion

    Your trainee will be required to get employer agreement that they meet the workplace requirements of each subject. Please ensure that within your workplace, anyone who may be asked by the trainee to do this has your approval.

  • Step 9. Employer Agreement on Competency Completion

    Once all required subjects have been completed your trainee is eligible for the award of their qualification and Competency Completion.

    Workplace agreement of Competency Completion and the return of a signed copy of the Training Plan is required. We will email these to you.

    Please be aware that Competency Completion may affect the rates of pay for any trainees on the National Training Wage. It will also trigger eligibility to any employer completion incentives and at the same time cease any eligibility to payroll tax exemptions or rebates.

  • Step 10. Department Advice of Completion

    The College will report to the relevant Department of Education that the trainee has completed the formal requirements.

    In some states this automatically triggers Competency Completion. In others you will receive a letter (that you must reply to) if you wish to delay Competency Completion.

Key Facts About Traineeships

  • 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.

    With so many different levels of government involved – traineeships can seem complicated, but they don’t need to be. The College specialises in traineeship delivery so feel free to call us and get your questions answered.

  • Eligibility for Traineeships and Declared Traineeships By State

    Apprenticeship Network Providers (previously called Australian Apprenticeship Centres) 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 Apprenticeship Network Provider 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.

  • Impact of Past Qualifications

    The employee cannot already hold a formal qualification but there are many exceptions to this rule.

    It is best to let an Australian Network Provider consider the specific qualifications held by any potential trainees, as there are many exceptions and rules. In general:

    • A Certificate I level does not affect eligibility.
    • Completed qualifications at Certificate II to IV level attained more than seven years ago, that led to a different occupational outcome than the current Traineeship, do not affect eligibility for payments.
    • Qualifications completed while the Trainee was at school will not affect payments as long as the traineeship is in either a different occupational outcome or is a higher level qualification.
    • Past registration in an apprenticeship or traineeship that was not completed normally will not affect eligibility, but may impact employer incentives.

     

  • 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.

    Employer incentives apply to New Entrant trainees. Details are shown later.

    Payroll Tax exemptions or rebates might also apply. Please call us if you would like to know more.

    For some states the training costs for many New Entrant traineeships is subsidised. Refer to each state for rules and qualifications subsidised.

  • 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 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, 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.
  • For Employees of Any Age

    Traineeships are suitable for all employees, however some State and Territories do have minimum age requirements for Traineeships. Our course materials are based on work place skills, so no matter how old your employees are, they will still benefit from the course.

  • Traineeship Employer Incentives

    Quick Summary: The Australian Apprenticeship Incentive Guidelines have changed

    Always check here for the most up to date guidance!

    Currently, for Traineeships that commenced after 1 July 2022:

    $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 July 2022

  • Payroll Tax Rebate Benefits

    NSW, QLD 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 and downloadable brochures are available in the Payroll Tax section below.

  • State Government Support to Pay for the 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 require an employer contribution (NSW is currently offering a Fee-Free Traineeship program).

    ACT and WA also subsidise the costs for some Existing Worker traineeships.

  • 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.

    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.
  • 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.

  • 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
  • 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.

Payroll Tax Exemption and Rebate Benefits

  • NSW Payroll Tax Rebate a 5.45% Saving Each Year

    A rebate of all New Entrant Trainee wages, so a 5.45% saving by not paying payroll tax on this amount.

    If a trainees wages = $25,000 you save $1437 pa off your payroll tax bill - or $2875 if you have 2 trainees.

    This saving applies for as many years as they stay in training, and can continue into their next certificate level traineeship.

    Download College Brochure and Example Calculations

    Review OSR Information

     

    Laws change regularly and are subject to interpretation – so ensure that you satisfy yourself that the payroll tax rules at the time you apply them are current and accurate.

  • Queensland Payroll Tax Exemption and Rebate

    In Queensland New Entrant Trainees wages are fully exempt from the 4.75% Payroll Tax.

    Please see here for more information:  https://qro.qld.gov.au/payroll-tax/exemptions/apprentice-rebate/

    Laws change regularly and are subject to interpretation – so ensure that you satisfy yourself that the payroll tax rules at the time you apply them are current and accurate.

  • ACT Payroll Tax Exemption on New Trainee Wages

     

    Follow this link to learn more about this at ACT Revenue Office Information

    Laws change regularly and are subject to interpretation – so ensure that you satisfy yourself that the payroll tax rules at the time you apply them are current and accurate.

  • Rebate or Exemption

    What’s the difference between a rebate and an exemption?

    Under exemptions – when calculating your Payroll Tax liability you exclude the relevant wage amounts (so effectively you don’t pay payroll tax on their wages).

    A rebate is where you calculate the Payroll Tax owed – then deduct the specified amount off. Again – meaning you effectively don’t pay this payroll tax amount.

    Confused? Don’t worry – your accountant or payroll officer who does your Payroll Tax will know what this means.

  • Eligibility to Payroll Tax Benefits

    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.

    The information provided on this page is for general information only and should not be relied upon as it may not reflect your exact circumstances or be subject to changes.