Are you looking for an apprenticeship, a school based apprenticeship or a traineeship?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP)?
ANPs provide you with information, advice and support throughout your apprenticeship or traineeship. They prepare your National Training Contract, explain your rights and responsibilities and check that your training is progressing satisfactorily.
They will advise you of any incentives or subsidies you’re entitled to and they can put you in contact with support services if you need them. For more information go to: www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au
What is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)?
RTOs deliver your formal training so you can gain a nationally recognised qualification. They develop your Training Plan with you and your workplace supervisor, monitor your progress and assess your competence.
What do support services include?
Support services include advice on industrial matters such as wages, conditions and safety, mentoring services to help you stay focused on your training and personal counselling services for financial problems, depression and anxiety. Ask your ANP or Training Services NSW about these services, or visit www.training.nsw.gov.au
What is expected from me?
You must make every effort to follow your employer’s instructions (within the law) follow workplace policies, maintain your driver’s licence (where necessary) and contribute to a safe and supportive workplace.
You also need to undertake the training outlined in your Training Plan. This includes studying for your qualification, receiving workplace training and attending formal training delivered by your RTO. Over time, you’ll need to show that you can do your job competently without supervision.
To become a successful apprentice or trainee you should:
arrive at work alert with your required tools
abide by your company’s dress code
communicate professionally with your co-workers
follow instructions and ask questions so you can grow your skills
show enthusiasm and actively participate
practice active listening
discuss and resolve concerns
take responsibility
What is the role of my workplace supervisor?
Your workplace supervisor is key to your success. They’ll show you how to use your equipment and offer you practical hands-on experience in all the tasks detailed in your Training Plan.
They’ll also help you build your general skills, such as problem solving, communicating effectively, teamwork, time management, and productivity.
Your workplace supervisor should ensure you clearly understand what’s expected of you, that you’re provided a safe environment to work in so you can minimise risk and that you understand codes of conduct.
Once your apprenticeship or traineeship is underway, they’ll supervise your day-to-day work, check on your progress, ensure your Training Plan is being followed, and that you’re getting enough opportunities to practice your new skills at work.
They’ll also regularly meet with your RTO to provide assessment evidence, stay up- to-date with your formal training, sign off competencies and schedule any additional training you need at work.
What can I do if I am finding the training too hard?
If you’re finding training too hard or work’s getting to you, it’s important to reach out. It could be a technical aspect of your job, workplace relationships, succeeding at formal training or any other employment-related issue.
You can talk to your:
workplace supervisor
employer
work’s Human Resources department, if they have one
work’s Employee Assistance Program, if they have one
RTO trainer
co-workers
parents or guardian
friends.
A Training Services NSW officer can also assist you. Please ring 13 28 11 to be directed to your nearest regional office.
What if I’m not getting along with my workplace supervisor?
The first thing you should do is discuss the issue with your workplace supervisor. The Training Services NSW officers can provide information about your options, suggest how to approach your supervisor or we can attend a meeting with them to talk about your situation.
What if I am not happy with my formal training?
Talk to your trainer or your RTO’s support staff. Use your training plan as an official document to refer to during your discussion – it tells you what you should be learning, in what timeframe, where, and how. If you are still not convinced, we can help.
What if my workplace issues can’t be resolved?
If your issue is so serious that you or your employer wants to end your employment, one or both parties can apply for your Training Contract to be cancelled. Cancellation occurs only with the mutual consent of the employer and the apprentice or trainee. If one party doesn’t agree, we can negotiate with both parties and help you reach agreement.