Interested in running a traineeship program in Queensland to attract, retain or upskill the workforce in your disability support service but confused as to how it all works? We get it and we are here to help.
So let’s start from the beginning.
WHAT ARE TRAINEESHIPS AND HOW DO THEY WORK?
Traineeships are workplace-based training programs that combine paid employment in disability support with industry endorsed, accredited training.
Traineeships are a great way to provide new workers in the disability sector with the hands-on experience they need to work with participants and implement a person-centred and strengths-based approach. Job outcomes from traineeships are strong and employers also benefit by having an opportunity to train a person within the work environment where their skills will be put to use. Employers may also be eligible for subsidies, which makes employing a trainee more attractive.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for a traineeship, students must be employed either in a full time or part time capacity. If the student does not possess a relevant qualification for aged care or disability employment, they will normally be entitled to a traineeship.
YOU ARE AN EMPLOYER WHO WOULD LIKE TO IMPLEMENT A TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM IN YOUR SERVICE
The first step for the employer is to meet with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) Provider to discuss eligibility of employees and when the contracts can be signed. The employer or student must choose the RTO that will become the Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).
Akadia Training is a Supervising Registered Training Organisation.
WHO ARE AUSTRALIAN APPRENTICESHIP SUPPORT NETWORK PROVIDERS?
The Australian Government contracts Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) Providers as the first point of contact to provide information and advice to support employers, apprentices and trainees across Australia to better navigate the apprenticeship and traineeship system.
- The AASN registers and monitors the contract on behalf of the State and Commonwealth.
- Provides information about commonwealth incentives.
- Provides information about the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) scheme (Wage subsidy)
The link to available AASN’s – https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/search-aasn
SUPERVISING REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATIONS
There must be a supervising registered training organisation (SRTO) for each trainee. When a registered training organisation (RTO) accepts the role of SRTO, they undertake to deliver specified services, including developing a training plan for the apprentice or trainee and monitoring the delivery of the training and assessment stated in it.
The SRTO explains to the employer about the requirements of and:
- Provides the employer and trainee with all relevant information regarding the training and assessment requirements of the traineeship.
- Assesses the employer’s capacity to supervise and train the trainee – Employer resource Assessment.
- Negotiates the training plan (https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/apprentices/resources/information-sheets/is40)
- Ensures the employer and student understand the requirements of the Training Record Book
- Ensures the employer and student understands the requirement to pay a student contribution fee
- Ensures an induction to training and enrolment is carried out for all students
- Ensures the employer and student receives a copy of the signed and negotiated training plan within 3 months of the traineeship commencing
STUDENT CONTRIBUTION FEES
If the trainee is Indigenous or a Torres Strait Islander, has a health care card, completed year 12 last year or has a disability pension card, the fee will be reduced by 60%
If the trainee is under the age of 25 or is a school-based trainee, the traineeship will be free.
More information regarding the fees can be found at: https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/apprentices/resources/information-sheets/is26
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR EMPLOYERS
After the traineeship has commenced the employer should receive:
- Wage subsidies from about 1 month (Employers will receive wages subsidies of up to 50% of trainee’s wages, capped at $7000 per student per quarter)*
- a commencement incentive of $1500 per trainee after 3 months (employers must have a copy of the signed training plan for this to occur)
Once the student has completed the traineeship:
- The employer will receive a completion incentive of $2500
These figures are accurate at time of publication however are dependent on the Government policy so are subject to change. The AASN is the authority and all enquiries about these topics should be referred to them.
*Current funding incentives for wage subsidies confirmed until 31st March 2022
TRAINING
The SRTO ensures the training commences as per the training plan. The options the employer and student have are:
- Face to face sessions that cover the entirety of the course
- Virtual training sessions (Zoom)
- Online training
Every three months the training record is to be produced and ensured it is up to date. This means that the supervisor, student and trainee have acknowledged completion of units of competency by signing where appropriate.
The ERA is updated to ensure the supervisors who are signing the training record and assignments, or observations are recorded in the ERA.
ASSESSMENT
The assessment process consists of:
- The student completing assignments via hardcopy or online
- Direct observations by qualified assessors, and/or
- Observation by qualified supervisors and verified by assessor
- Third party interviews between qualified supervisor and assessor
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE A STUDENT COMPLETES THEIR TRAINEESHIP
Once the student has completed all requirements of the qualification:
- The student will be issued a qualification from the SRTO
- The employer and student will be required to acknowledge and sign a completion agreement – administered by the SRTO
- The student will receive a certificate from the QLD Government