On the Job
When you first enter the workforce you may not be aware of important issues such as your rights and responsibilities as an Australian Apprentice, health and safety laws, equal opportunity laws and training protocols. To ensure that you are informed on these and other workplace related issues, read through the following sections.
Workplace Communication
The Importance of Communication in the Workplace:
In the workplace, you may need to communicate with a lot of people, all of whom are very different. Communication is a really important tool for you in the workplace. For information on effective communication
click here.
The Importance of Workplace Relationships:
For information on effective workplace relationships visit the
Workplace Relationships page of the Relationships Australia WA branch.
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Entitlements and Money Matters
The first step is to determine if you are covered by a State Award or Modern Award. Your employer can provide this information or you can ring the Dept of Commerce on 1300 655 266.
State Awards:
The Dept of Commerce can provide information about State Awards including details of;
- Wage rates & allowances
- Superannuation
- Working hours
- Annual leave & sick leave
Modern Awards:
Fair Work Australia can provide information about Modern Awards including details of;
- Wage rates & allowances
- Superannuation
- Working hours
- Annual leave & sick leave
Confused?
If you have contacted Fair Work Australia or the Dept of Commerce and are still unsure please contact us.
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Equal Opportunity
Bullying:
Bullying in the workplace is a very serious offence. If you feel you or a colleague are being bullied and don’t know who to turn to, visit the
Bullying Information page of the Worksafe website.
Discrimination & Harassment:
Discrimination and Harassment in the workplace is a very serious offence. Everyone is entitled to a fair go, regardless of gender, race, disability etc. If you feel that you are a victim of discrimination or harassment in the workplace, you should speak to someone as soon as possible. For further information click on the following links to be directed to the:
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Occupational Safety and Health
A safe and secure working environment is very important. In some cases safety on the job could be a matter of life or death. So what are your responsibilities as an Australian Apprentice and what are your employer's responsibilities?
Visit the
Worksafe Smart Move website, in which you will be taken through a series of questions, leading to a Workplace Safety Certificate from Worksafe.
For further information on safety in the workplace visit the
Safety Topics page of the Department of Commerce's Worksafe website.
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Rights and Responsibilities in the Workplace
Workplace Rights and Responsibilities, as an Australian Apprentice:
What are your rights and responsibilities as an Australian Apprentice? For important information on your rights in the workplace and your responsibilities as a worker, view the
Training Contract Obligations document.
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Suspension and Cancellation of an Australian Apprenticeship
Sometimes it may be necessary for you to take a break in your Australian Apprenticeship. This can happen for a number of reasons, but if you are considering suspending or cancelling your Australian Apprenticeship there are some things you need to know.
Cancellation:
An Australian Apprenticeship can be cancelled at any stage while you are on probation by either yourself or your employer by informing Apprenticentre that this is what you have chosen to do. If you cancel during probation, you will not receive any credit for time you have already completed if you take up your apprenticeship again at a later date.
After you have completed probation, you must speak to your employer and Apprenticentre before you consider cancelling your Australian Apprenticeship. Once you have done this, if you still feel cancellation is the best option and your employer agrees you will need to contact Apprenticentre for their approval and to complete a cancellation form.
After cancellation, Apprenticentre will give you the option to put your name on the "Out of Contract Register". This means that you will be able to continue your off the job training for 6 months even if you are not working as an apprentice. It will also make your name available to any employers who are looking to hire an apprentice in your trade. If you are planning to pick up your Australian Apprenticeship again at a later stage it is highly recommended you continue with your training where possible so you don't fall behind.
It is important to be aware that if you cancel your Australian Apprenticeship and you decide to pick it up again later you may not automatically receive credit for the time you previously completed. Your incentive payments will also be effected by a cancellation.
Credit Applications after Cancellation:
If you have previously cancelled an Australian Apprenticeship and you recommence with a new employer you may be eligible to receive credit in the following circumstances:
- If your cancellation was less than 12 months ago you will automatically receive credit for all the time you served with your previous employer.
- If your cancellation was more than 12 months ago you will need to negotiate the amount of credit you receive with your new employer. You will be expected to produce copies of your off the job training records at sign up if you are applying for credit. Your employer is not required to grant you credit if they don't believe it is appropriate.
- If your previous Australian Apprenticeship was completed in another state, the amount of credit you are entitled to will need to be negotiated with your new employer. It will be vital that you produce records of the training you received in your previous Australian Apprenticeship.
Suspension:
Suspensions are usually granted in cases of sickness, injury or other medical reason, for maternity leave or in some special circumstances where you need to take leave without pay. You must be planning on taking a break of less than 12 months, and your employer needs to agree that this is the best option for you both. You and your employer need to negotiate a date when you will return to work and inform Apprenticentre immediately in writing that you intend to suspend the apprenticeship. You must return to your original employer when your period of suspension has been completed.
You may continue to attend your training provider for up to 6 months while on suspension if you choose to do so. This is highly recommended as it will help keep you up to date with your studies when you return.
It is important to be aware that a suspension will change the expected completion date of your Australian Apprenticeship. For example, if you suspend your Australian Apprenticeship for 6 months, your completion date will also be extended by 6 months. It will also effect when Tools for Your Trade payments and any other incentives are due.
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Training
Information on CAAVS:
Need some help to get through your Australian Apprenticeship? Finding it difficult to concentrate and get through the reading and writing part of it all? Well it’s quite a common feeling and there are programs out there that can help. So don’t fall behind, get ahead!
For further information on literacy and numeracy policies and services in Australia visit the
Australian Council for Adult Literacy website.
On-the-job Training:
When an employer takes you on as an Australian Apprentice, they have committed to supporting and encouraging you on the job.
Your employer is responsible for the on-the-job components of your Australian Apprenticeship. This means that the employer is responsible for:
- Employment, training and supervision over the course of your Australian Apprenticeship
- Providing you with opportunities to learn the skills you need to complete your qualification
- Allowing you time off work to complete off the job training if this is required (formal training and assessment, whether undertaken on or off the job, must be paid in working time)
- Providing you with a safe working environment that complies with industrial relations and occupational health and safety regulations
Your Employer should work with your registered training organisation to develop a training plan and review your progress regularly.
Off-the-job Training:
Training that takes place away from a person’s job, usually off the premises, however may take place on the premises, e.g. in a special training area.
Off the job training is provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). For information on all qualifications on offer and the RTO's who offer them, please click on the following links:
Study Tips and Techniques:
- Identify what you want to get out of your Australian Apprenticeship. Then plan how to achieve it.
- Make the most of your Australian Apprenticeship. Ask questions and get feedback from your employers, colleagues, trainers and assessors. They have the experience and the skills, so make the most of your time with them and learn.
- Think positively about learning. Think about: Why do I need to know this? Why is it important? How will this help me out in my job? How will it make things clearer and easier? Put in consistent time and energy and build on what you have already learnt.
- Keep your balance: have a life! Studying is one part of you - it doesn't mean you have to forget everything else. Make time to enjoy your friends and family, play sport, eat well, go outside, watch a movie and most importantly take the time to relax!
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