Hiring an apprentice or trainee can be a cost effective way to build skills within your business, while supporting someone as they start a new career. You may also be eligible to receive financial incentives.
As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring you meet your legal requirements, (such as employment conditions and occupational health and safety), providing appropriate supervision and support for the apprentice or trainee, and lodging the required training documentation.
Before hiring an apprentice or trainee, you should:
- Check which modern award will cover the new apprentice or trainee. If the apprentice or trainee is doing similar work to your other employees, it is likely that the same award will apply. If you are not sure which modern award applies, use Award Finder.
- Contact an Australian Apprenticeships Centre. Australian Apprenticeships Centres can provide information on what paperwork and documentation is required, what supervision, facilities and support you will need to provide to your apprentice or trainee, and any financial incentives you may be eligible to receive.
Best Practice Tip
Our Employer’s guide to employing young workers contains a number of helpful hints and tips for when you hire a new young worker. It includes information about what you should tell a young worker when they start, health and safety issues and performance management. It also includes a checklist to help you act as a best practice employer.