FAQ's

Why should I train an apprentice through HIA?

There are many advantages in training an apprentice through HIA Apprentices. By doing so you will be investing in the future trades skills of the industry; you will have the satisfaction of mentoring and teaching an enthusiastic team member who wants to learn; you will know that by doing this you will be adding to the future productivity value for your business from a well-trained individual, and you will be providing employment opportunities for Australia’s youth by passing on your professional experience.

HIA Apprenticesallows you to get on with your business without the added burden of paperwork and all those other employer obligations. All you do is provide the on-site training and a safe site and leave the rest to us!

How often will an HIA Apprentices Field Officer come out on site for monitoring?

At least four times each year. The purpose of these visits is to monitor the apprentices’ progress and training, to see how new apprentices are settling in, to determine the satisfaction of the Host Trainer with the apprentice and to evaluate the apprentice and site safety. These visits will usually be scheduled; however, an HIA Apprentices representative may undertake the occasional unscheduled visit at the request of the Host Trainer or apprentice.

Can I employ the apprentice as a tradesperson once he/she has completed their apprenticeship?

Absolutely. Once the apprenticeship term is complete, the former apprentice is a free agent and able to be employed or contracted as they wish.

What should I do if I have an issue with the apprentice?

Try to resolve simple issues on site. However, if in doubt or you need service,, contact your HIA Field Officer or HIA office immediately.

What do I do if I no longer wish to continue to train the apprentice?

Depending on the circumstances you will need to provide HIA Apprentices with a minimum of a week’s notice to enable time for an appropriate search for an alternative Host Trainer.

What do I pay if bad weather stops me from working and I can’t employ the apprentice for the day?

If bad weather stops work, the Host Trainer will be charged for the hours where “downtime” applies. For example: you start work at 7.00am but at 10.00am you are rained off, then you pay from 7.00 – 10.00am productive time and five hours downtime. If no work is begun and the entire day is rained off the Host Trainer will be charged eight hours’ downtime for the day. When hours for bad weather exceed 32 hours over a four-week period as set out in the “National – All States Inclement Weather Calendar” (attached) there will be no further downtime for that period.