The Apprentice Partner Program is for any builder who has a preferred contractor they would like to support in taking on a building trades apprentice.

What is the Apprentice Partner Program?

The Apprentice Partner Program is a three-way partnership between the HIA, builder and contractor that enables the industry to support an apprentice while recognising their preferred contractors. The program works by providing direct financial support for the apprentice, thereby reducing the cost to their preferred contractor of employing a new apprentice and ensuring the next generation of tradespeople rise through the ranks.

As a builder, you pay an annual partnership fee of $6240 ($120/week), which provides direct financial support for the apprentice, creating savings associated with management and provision of support and mentoring provided by HIA. This support generates savings that are passed onto contractors (the apprentice hosts) as a subsidy for the cost of using that apprentice.

How does the Apprentice Partner Program work?

1. Become a partner – Join the partner program for an annual fee of $6240 ($120 per week) per apprentice. This provides direct financial support that reduces the costs associated with the management and provision of support and mentoring services provided by HIA Apprentices.
2. Nominate a contractor – Partners nominate their preferred contractor or installer to participate in the program.
3. HIA meets with the contractor and recruits the apprentice – HIA meets the nominated contractor and completes the required WHS/OHS pre-qualification checks and scopes apprentice requirements.
4. HIA inducts the apprentice and places them with the contractor – HIA commences a comprehensive onboarding and induction of the apprentice, including safety upskilling, and arranges for placement of an apprentice with the contractor.
5. Apprentice mentor reports on progress – HIA commences performance monitoring and mentoring activities with the apprentice and contractor and provides performance reports.
6. HIA invoices parties – HIA issues a weekly invoice to the builder/manufacturer and contractor for the apprentice.

You’re in good hands

Because the HIA is a nationally registered Group Training Organisation (GTO) specialising in the building industry, we work closely with host employers and apprentices to unlock benefits for both. 

We take a hands-on approach to recruiting and selecting our apprentices and take care of their training, mentoring and administration while they are placed with their host employer. By focusing on the professional development of the apprentice, we make it easy for the host employer to focus on developing their apprentice’s site skills. 

We match the right apprentice with the right host, ensuring that the relationship will be as harmonious as possible. And by managing all matters relating to the apprentice’s employment, we free up the host employer from the burden of paperwork and payroll.

The Partner Program doesn’t just provide support to a new generation of tradespeople, it makes a valuable contribution to the future of Australia’s building and construction sector.