Regulating apprenticeships and traineeships
We seek to eliminate or minimise harm, and the risk of harm, to apprentices and trainees. Harms are identified in our Apprenticeships and traineeships compliance and enforcement framework as:
- injury or death
- poor quality workplace experiences
- exploitation and mistreatment
- insufficient learning and progress.
Our starting point is to seek compliance through education and support. However, we will act when apprentices or trainees are in danger or denied their rights. We have the power to cancel:
- an employer’s approval to employ apprentices and trainees in Victoria
- training contracts.
Regulatory campaigns
Each year we conduct regulatory campaigns and publish enforcement and compliance priorities. This notifies employers of where we plan to deploy Authorised Officers in the field, including
- industry/industries (for example, automotive, electrical)
- qualifications (for example, Certificate III in Hairdressing).
See our 2024 enforcement and compliance priorities and our BuildUp campaign report for more information.
Working with other regulatory agencies
Victoria’s regulatory agencies and authorities responsible for reducing the risk of harm for apprentices and trainees work together. We have an agreement to share information about employers of apprentices and trainees with:
The agreement strengthens and improves protection systems for apprentices and trainees. Timely sharing of information means regulatory agencies and authorities work together to reduce the risk of harm to Victorian apprentices and trainees. It also makes it easier for Victorian apprentices and trainees to make and resolve complaints.
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