• Paid employment for the trainee under an appropriate industrial arrangement (for example an award or enterprise agreement).
• A Training Contract that is signed by both the employer and the trainee and registered with your state’s Training Authority.
• A nationally recognised qualification that meets the requirements of a declared traineeship in that State.

Traineeships can be divided into two categories; the new employee traineeship and the existing employee traineeship, as outlined below.

1. New Employee Traineeships

A new employee traineeship may be available to employees who are new employees with your organisation (less than 3 months full-time or less than 12 months part-time).

In some cases, the training is delivered free (the State Government will pay Vocational Training Australia’s training fees), and the employer may also be eligible to claim incentives from the Commonwealth Government to assist with the trainee being released from the job to undertake training.

The desired delivery style is negotiated between the employer and Vocational Training Australia to suit the needs of the employer and the trainee.

• Distance: the trainee undertakes self-paced learning, supported by the employer in the work environment with full distance education materials provided by Vocational Training Australia, and completes assessment materials and returns them via post, fax or e-mail for assessing. In addition, there are often on-the-job assessments to verify the practical aspects of the program.
• Flexible Work Based: the assessor undertakes a number of visits over the term of the traineeship to assess and monitor the trainee in the workplace. The trainee will work through the full distance course resources and complete assessment materials, which are then submitted for assessing. The workplace assessor will also make regular contact with the trainee to provide assistance.

2. Existing Employee Traineeships

Existing employee traineeships are normally available to those without prior qualifications and who are employed on a part-time or full-time basis (not applicable to casual employees).

Existing employee traineeships are of a nominal duration of at least twenty four (24) months. These traineeships attract a Commonwealth Government Incentive, which is paid to the employer. Vocational Training Australia’s training fees are then paid by the employer.

The same options of delivery mode as for New Employee Traineeships also apply to Existing Employee Traineeships.

As the nominal duration of the various qualifications vary from state to state, it is advisable to check your eligibility for Commonwealth Incentives with your New Apprenticeship Centre or with Vocational Training Australia.

Apprenticeships

Vocational Training Australia also offers apprenticeship training leading to the qualification of ‘Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)’.

Both State Government funding (covering the training fees) and Commonwealth Government Incentives to the employer may be available. Due to the need for intensive on-the-job instruction required, this qualification may not be available in all areas.

Benefits of a Traineeship or Apprenticeship

To The Trainee/Apprentice Nationally accredited training Certificate of competency Career opportunity and qualification Development of essential work skills Training costs may be funded by government May be employed by family and friends Adults or juniors can participate Recognition of prior learning

To The Employer Possibly an incentive subsidy for each trainee and/or funding of training fees Employer selects trainee - family members and friends may be employed Increased employee commitment Probationary period applies Flexible training on- or off-the-job Traineeships can be part-time A choice of training provider Adults can be employed as trainees May be eligible for Payroll Tax rebate Staff retention/increased morale

Summary

There are four main parties involved in a traineeship (or apprenticeship):

• The employer
• The trainee or apprentice
• The New Apprenticeship Centre (NAC): Provides information on Trainees/New Apprenticeship options to employers, conduct the sign-up, and complete the government paperwork.
• The Registered Training Organisation (RTO): Vocational Training Australia is a national provider (National Provider No: 30836), offering flexible training and assessment services, and providing customised programs to suit the organisation and the trainee.