What is a training contract?
A training contract is a formal agreement between an employer and an apprentice or trainee.
The training contract lasts for the term of the apprenticeship or traineeship.
Training contracts protect the interests of both the employer and the apprentice or trainee.
A training contract includes:
- qualification to be undertaken
- estimate of how long it will take to complete
- number of hours in training and employment provided each week
- each party’s obligations to the other
- what to do if there is an issue
- off-the-job and on-the-job training arrangements.
What is a training plan?
A training plan includes all the details for both 'on-the-job' and 'off-the-job' training. It documents the training and assessment requirements for employers and apprentices or trainees.
The training plan lists the units that make up the qualification and their proposed start and end dates.
The training plan is used to monitor progress and record achieved competencies that are in the training contract. It should be updated as units are completed over the duration of the apprenticeship or traineeship.
The training plan is agreed to between the employer, the apprentice or trainee, and the RTO or training provider.
Agreeing to the training contract
You agree to the training contract at the beginning of an apprenticeship or traineeship.
The employer then has 14 days to contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider. They are responsible for administering the training contract.
The Apprentice Connect Australia Provider will contact us to register the training contract.
Credit for previous training or experience
An apprentice or trainee may get credit for previous:
- training in their current vocation
- training in another vocation
- time served in a training contract.
The apprentice, employer and RTO need to agree to include previous learning or time served. This can change how long the training lasts. It may be less than the maximum duration listed in the approved training scheme.
Example
An apprentice finishes a Certificate III and starts a Certificate IV. Everyone agrees to credit the units from the Certificate III in the training contract. This makes the time needed to finish the Certificate IV much shorter than the maximum duration in the approved training scheme.
Probation period
A probation period is a time for the apprentice or trainee and the employer to find out if they are a good fit for each other. Probation periods are a part of all training contracts. They usually last between 30 and 90 days. The approved training scheme determines the exact duration. This period is different from other workplace trials.
How to change a training contract
The employer and the apprentice or trainee need to agree to most changes to a training contract.
Some of the reasons for changing a training contract include:
- change of qualification
- time credit to recognise skills and training
- extension of the completion date
- change of registered training organisation (RTO)
- change between part-time and full-time
For apprentices under 18 years of age, your parent/guardian must agree and sign this form.
The employer and apprentice or trainee should work together to complete this form.
Submit the completed form to your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider.
You do not need an agreement to change the:
- apprentice's legal name or contact details
- employer contact details.
Contact your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider to do this.
How to suspend a training contract
Suspending a training contract pauses the apprenticeship or traineeship. You can only suspend a training contract for a fixed time.
You can suspend a training contract for up to 12 months due to:
- illness or injury
- travel overseas
- parental leave.
You can suspend a training contract for up to 6 months due to:
- downturn in business
- lack of work.
All parties need to agree to a suspension of a training contract.
If you cannot agree, contact your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider for help.
The employer and apprentice or trainee should work together to complete this form.
Submit the completed form to your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider.
What if an apprentice or trainee disagrees with changing or suspending a training contract?
If you are an apprentice or trainee and you do not agree to the change in your training contract, do not sign any forms.
Try to come to an agreement with your employer.
If you can’t, contact your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider. You can also call us on 1300 722 603 to discuss your options.
How to cancel a training contract
Cancelling a training contract permanently cancels an apprenticeship or traineeship.
We only regulate the training contract, not the employment contract.
For issues relating to an employment contract contact the Fair Work Ombudsman(opens in a new window)
Cancelling an apprenticeship during the probation period
During the probation period, either the apprentice or employer can cancel the training contract.
Cancelling an apprenticeship after the probation period
After probation, the apprentice and employer must agree to cancel a training contract.
If you cannot agree, contact your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider for help.
Both the employer and apprentice need to complete the relevant request form.
Submit both forms together to your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider.
Cancelling a traineeship
An employer or a trainee can cancel a training contract at any time. They do not have to agree.
Complete the relevant form.
Submit the completed form to your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider.
Updated