Hiring an apprentice and trainee

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine paid employment with structured training, and result in a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships and traineeships are available to anyone of working age, including school students, school-leavers, those re-entering the workforce, or those simply wanting a career change. Offered in a range of industry areas, participants can complete their qualification by learning skills both at work and under the guidance of a training provider. NR TAFE works with you and your employer to develop a training plan, deliver training, provide support, assess your achievement of skills and issue you with a qualification upon successful completion.

An apprentice or traineeship arrangement includes:

• A training plan, negotiated between the student, employer and NR TAFE
• Structured on-the-job training
• Paid employment under an appropriate industrial arrangement
• Full-time, part-time or school based options
• The option of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as part of the assessment for completion

The Federal Government offers employers financial incentives to employ apprentices and trainees, including school based apprentices, adult apprentices and out of contract apprentices.

In addition to this, the State government provides Jobs and Skills WA Employer Incentive. This financial assistance is for WA businesses who employ an apprentice or new entrant trainee and who have lodged the training contract for registration on or after 1 July 2019. The aim of the incentive is to increase apprenticeship and traineeship commencements by providing employers with assistance to meet the costs of employing an apprentice or trainee. For more information on the incentives, please click here(opens in a new tab) .

The State Government also provides payroll tax exemptions for employers of apprentices and trainees

For more information on incentives, which you and your potential trainee/apprentice may be eligible for, please contact your local Apprenticeship Support Office on the details listed below.

You can employ an apprentice/trainee directly, or become a host employer through a Group Training Organisation (GTO).

Direct hire 

An employer can recruit an apprentice or trainee in the same way you would recruit other employees. Once you have identified the perfect trainee/apprentice, you will need to make contact with the local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Office (AASN) to formalise the training contract.

Group Training Organisations (GTO)

A GTO employs the apprentice or trainee and hosts them to suitable businesses. GTOs can offer a range of support to your business such as ongoing mentoring, pre-employment programs, hiring and placement of candidates. GTOs are also helpful if you cannot guarantee work for the full term of the apprenticeship or traineeship, or do not want the additional administrative workload.

To sign up an apprentice or trainee, please contact one of the AASN providers. 

Employment Based Training Support

NR TAFE has a dedicated team of support staff who can assist you throughout the process. Once you have officially signed up an apprentice or trainee, our team of staff can provide assistance in contract management, liaising with lecturing staff and organising travel and accommodation.

Email: apprenticeships@nrtafe.wa.edu.au

For a list of support available to your apprentice or trainee, please click here(opens in a new tab)

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) contacts

Apprenticeship Support Australia CCI

• Phone: 1300 363 831
• Kimberley contact: 0429 106 785
• Karratha contact: 0488 919 159
• Port Hedland contact: 0438 716 583
• Newman contact: 0417 925 554
• Email: info@apprenticeshipsupport.com.au
• Website: www.apprenticeshipsupport.com.au(opens in a new tab)

The Apprenticeship Community

• Phone: (08) 6165 3362
• Email: info@apprenticeshipcommunity.com.au
• Website: www.apprenticeshipcommunity.com.au(opens in a new tab)

Download NR TAFE's 2022 Apprenticeship and Traineeship brochure

• 2022 Apprenticeships and Traineeships Guide (4 MB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)