Roles and Responsibilities
Apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW are administered under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001.
What are my obligations as an employer?
As an employer of an apprentice or trainee you must provide your apprentice or trainee with:
- every opportunity to learn the skills and acquire the knowledge of the trade or traineeship
- access to structured on and/or off-the-job training
- time off work to attend training when necessary
- time at work to undertake structured training
- a safe working environment
- a work environment free from any form of harassment
- other benefits specified in the training agreement or industrial arrangement (eg. a tool allowance).
You are responsible for ensuring that the apprentice or trainee has access to the full range of work required to develop the skills and industry knowledge they need on the job. You also need to observe their progress and confirm that they are developing the required skills and knowledge. To ensure this, there are various records which must be maintained by either the employer or the apprentice or trainee. Depending on the nature of the apprenticeship or traineeship, these records include:
- progress card (for trainee apprentices only)
- a competency record book for trainees and some apprentices
- an attendance card which your Registered Training Organisation (RTO) may provide to confirm regular attendance at off-the-job training.
The training advisors at the nearest State Training Centre (STC) can provide further information