Your apprenticeship or traineeship journey

The Apprentice and Trainee Journey

The potential apprentice or trainee applies for jobs advertised by employers including Group Training Organisations.
Employers must be approved by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority before they can enter into a training contract with an apprentice or trainee.
Once the apprentice or trainee had gotten the job, the employer and apprentice or trainee sign a Training Contract and their Apprentice Connect Australia Provider provides it to the Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority.

Sign a training contract

To learn more visit the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority training contract page and the Apprenticeships Victoria your training contract page.

Learn at work and at a Registered Training Organisation

learn practical skills on the job from experienced people, and
complete structured training through a Registered Training Organisation
Registered Training Organisations include:
TAFEs
private training providers
industry or professional associations
some schools and universities
community and not-for-profit training providers

Your probation period

The probation period gives you and your employer a chance to decide if you are a good fit for the role.

it usually lasts between 30 and 90 days from the start of your training contract

check your contract or ask your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider to confirm the exact length

you or your employer can cancel the training contract during this time if it’s not working out

the probation period only applies to your training contract, not to any other work trials or employment arrangements

Your responsibilities as an apprentice or trainee

- sign a training contract with your employer when you start your apprenticeship or traineeship (if you are under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must also sign it)
- enrol with a Registered Training Organisation (including TAFE institutes) within 3 months of starting, or as advised by your Registered Training Organisation
- keep a copy of the training plan to understand how and when your training will happen (on and off the job)
- know that you can progress based on your skill level, not a set timeline
As an apprentice or trainee, you must:
act professionally and politely
turn up to work on time
always respect the rights of others
take care of tools, equipment and property at your workplace
keep workplace information confidential
work hard to meet the competencies in your training plan
complete all assessments
attend training sessions and supervised workplace activities
make the most of learning opportunities to build your skills

Your employer’s responsibilities

contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider within 14 days of you starting, who will assist you and your employer to sign a training contract (if you are under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must also sign it)
enrol you with a Registered Training Organisation (including TAFE institutes) in the correct qualification within 3 months of starting, and let you know if it’s going to take longer
provide you with at least 13 hours of work and training per week
allow time off for training with the Registered Training Organisation
ensure you are supervised by skilled staff who can provide safe, quality on-the-job training
provide you with work that is relevant to your qualification
supply the tools, equipment and facilities needed for your training
work with your Registered Training Organisation to follow the training plan and support your progress
pay you correctly under the modern award or enterprise agreement that applies to you
pay you superannuation
provide you with regular payslips
keep you safe and support your health, mental health and wellbeing at work