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(Details the commitment made by both employers and Australian Apprentices when entering into a training contract) | |
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(The Code by which Australian Apprenticeship Centres are bound) |
Australian Apprenticeships, which may be referred to as apprenticeships and traineeships in some States and Territories, offer many benefits to employers and Australian Apprentices. Employers can develop an Australian Apprentice who is trained to understand the specific requirements of their workplace and has the skills that match business objectives. Australian Apprentices have the chance to gain valuable work experience, develop skills and acquire a nationally recognised qualification.
This Code of Good Practice has been developed to assist both parties entering into a Training Contract with a clear understanding of each other’s obligations and expectations.
A copy of this Code should be retained by the employer and the Australian Apprentice.
Both parties understand that there is a formal agreement to train the Australian Apprentice known as the Training Contract, that sets out the legal obligations binding on the employer and the Australian Apprentice.
Both parties enter into the employment and training arrangement with a commitment to mutual respect, honesty and fairness.
Both parties agree to determine the qualification and the competencies that the Australian Apprentice is working to attain.
Both parties have a clear understanding of their contractual obligations including the duration of the Training Contract.
Both parties are clear about available dispute resolution avenues and understand what is required to terminate the Contract.
This involves:
conforming with relevant Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, including that relating to Australian Apprenticeship arrangements.
This involves:
providing a safe workplace, free from workplace, verbal, physical, racial and sexual abuse.
ensuring that all occupational health and safety requirements are addressed.
provision of an appropriate introduction to the workplace, stressing those core occupational health and safety requirements essential to workplace safety.
This involves:
providing opportunities to develop knowledge and skills.
lodging Training Contract documentation with the relevant authorities and selecting a Registered Training Organisation to enrol the Australian Apprentice with, within the timeframe determined by your State/Territory Training Authority.
participating in the development of the training plan and providing facilities and expertise to assist in the training of the Australian Apprentice in the agreed qualification (this may include on-the-job training, supervision from competent people, mentoring, or time off for off-the-job training).
ensuring that a record of training is maintained.
ensuring that the relevant authorities are notified on the completion of the training contract, or advising them in instances where the Training Contract is in danger of not being completed.
This involves:
providing the Australian Apprentice with a nominated workplace supervisor and could involve a coaching or mentoring arrangement, especially for Australian Apprentices with little experience of work.
being mindful that Australian Apprentices under the age of 18 are minors, and that their parents or guardians have legal responsibility for them.
This involves:
ensuring that Australian Apprentices are encouraged to raise issues and problems both in the workplace and with the Registered Training Organisation.
advising them of entitlements, such as wages, conditions etc..
ensuring that the Australian Apprentice is aware that help and assistance is also available from the relevant State/Territory Training Authority.
providing comprehensive induction processes for commencing Australian Apprentices to ensure that they are aware, from the time of commencement, of the proposed training program, workplace safety requirements and their rights and responsibilities.
This involves:
attending and performing work in a professional and courteous manner in accordance with the employer’s requirements.
taking care of workplace property and resources.
respecting the rights of other Australian Apprentices and employees in the workplace.
remembering that information obtained from the employer must be kept confidential and not disclosed without approval from the employer.
consent from a parent or guardian, if you are less than 18 years of age.
This involves:
making all reasonable efforts to achieve the competencies specified in the training plan and undertaking any training and assessment required.
participating in the development of the training plan.
attending training sessions or supervised workplace activities and taking advantage of learning opportunities.
maintaining a record of training such as a training record book.
This code applies to all Australian Apprenticeships Centres and their staff and represents the minimum standards to be applied in all their dealings with employers, Australian Apprentices and other interested persons.
The Aim of the Code
The aim of the Code is to ensure the delivery of high quality support service with high standards of ethical behaviour exhibited to all parties concerned.
The Code of Conduct
Australian Apprenticeships Centres will provide:
accurate, current, impartial and comprehensive information to employers, Australian Apprentices and other interested persons on:
an ongoing point of contact for the duration of the Australian Apprenticeship to help ensure successful completion of Australian Apprenticeships;
advertising and information material that identifies the requirements of Australian Apprenticeships and is consistent with all Commonwealth and State legal requirements and reflects truth, accuracy and good taste;
a process through which employers, Australian Apprentices and other interested persons
can notify inadequacies or problems in the delivery of Australian Apprenticeships
Support Services.
In addition, Australian Apprenticeships Centres will provide to DEST accurate and complete information in relation to claims for payment under contractual arrangements and the determining of eligibility for Australian Apprenticeships Incentive Programme payments. Australian Apprenticeships Centres will comply with Commonwealth fraud control and risk
management requirements.
Australian Apprenticeships Centres will also work closely, cooperatively and openly with State and Territory Training Authorities and fully comply with State and Territory administrative and legislative requirements in relation to Australian Apprenticeships and the provision of information relating to their dealings with employers and Australian Apprentices.
Australian Apprenticeships Centres will fully participate in and support national arrangements for the promotion and growth of Australian Apprenticeships. In particular, they will reflect this in their dealings with employers, Australian Apprentices and other interested persons and organisations, including other Australian Apprenticeships Centres and Registered Training Organisations.
be open and honest at all times;
be respectful and courteous in their dealings with all clients;
inform clients of their rights, obligations and entitlements;
ensure that provision of information is current, accurate, impartial and consistent;
ensure that advice about training options, particularly National Training Packages, best reflects the training needs of the employer and the Australian Apprentice;
adhere to the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive Programmes Policy and Administrative Guidelines when determining eligibility and processing claims for Australian Apprenticeships Incentives;
refrain from making false or misleading statements to employers and Australian Apprentices in relation to eligibility for both Commonwealth and State Government Australian Apprenticeships Incentives;
be easy to contact by telephone, facsimile and email during normal business hours as well as maintaining easily accessible premises;
respond quickly and accurately to requests for information;
treat complaints seriously and learn from them;
comply with obligations under laws such as the Privacy Act 1988,the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Trade Practices Act 1974;
not seek or accept fees, benefits or advantages either directly or indirectly from employers, Australian Apprentices or other interested persons for services funded by
the Australian Government;
make available to any interested persons details of the controls and arrangements put in place to manage conflict of interest matters where such conflicts exist;
maintain up-to-date knowledge in respect of all aspects of Australian Apprenticeships but particularly Training Packages available within industry sectors; and
ensure that a positive reputation and outlook for Australian Apprenticeships is promoted to State and Territory Training Authorities, other key stake holders and the community.
Australian Apprenticeships Centres will be bound to the Code of Conduct through their contract with the Australian Government (DEST). Australian Apprenticeships Centres should display a copy of the Code and ensure that all employers, Australian Apprentices and other interested persons are fully aware of it .
