How do HIA apprenticeships work?

An apprenticeship is a way to earn a salary while you learn key skills and gain a qualification. An apprentice learns the skills of their trade under the supervision of a tradesperson in the workplace and also attends training sessions at a TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Employment as an apprentice

There are currently two ways to become an apprentices or trainee in Australia: 

1. Direct indenture – An apprentice is directly employed by an employer. As such they are responsible for the day-to-day training, welfare, conditions, employment costs and entitlements of the apprentice 
2. Group Training Organisations (GTOs) – GTOs help an apprentice find employment with a host business for varying periods of time until the apprenticeship/traineeship has been completed. The GTO remains the legal employer of the apprentice and is responsible for managing all the legal responsibilities of employment

HIA Apprentices operates as a GTO by employing apprentices, then placing them with host employers for on-the-job training. At all times HIA Apprentices remain the legal employer. 

What are the advantages of working for a GTO?

GTOs such as HIA Apprentices do more than just manage an apprenticeship – they work closely with hosts and apprentices to unlock the full potential of the apprentice.
It’s the role of a GTO such as HIA Apprentices to understand what type of apprenticeship or traineeship you are looking for and to match you with a host business (or businesses) that can offer what you want. 

One of the key benefits offered by a GTO is it provides apprentices with the opportunity to access a wide variety of host businesses instead of applying for a single position. Apprentices/trainees can also gain extra skills and experience by transferring from one host business to another during their apprenticeship/traineeship.
HIA Apprentices is responsible for arranging the following for the apprentices it manages:

• wages
• conditions
• training
• employment of the trainee or apprentice
• signing of the training contract.

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Apprenticeships: What else do I need to know?

Apprenticeships are formal training arrangements that must be registered with an appropriate state or territory training authority. Timeframes for registering apprentices vary from state to state. The period before the registration date can also count towards the apprenticeship.

As well as receiving on-the-job training from a host employer, apprentices/trainees will have to attend training sessions at a TAFE, trade school or an RTO

How does HIA support its apprentices?

HIA Apprentices ensures apprentices undertake a comprehensive induction before entering the workforce so they have the best start to their career

Pastoral care and support, including ongoing coaching and mentoring from a dedicated Apprentice Field Officer is given to all apprentices. Although they’re not counsellors, Apprentice Field Officers are highly skilled at identifying and providing practical support for social issues that can negatively affect apprentices and their family if not properly addressed. Legal problems, alcoholism, drug abuse and relationship issues can cause serious problems if left unchecked.

Every apprentice is visited quarterly by an Apprentice Field Officer to conduct and deliver a performance review and performance coaching. This is more than a report card but an opportunity to set goals, provide assistance and coach to ensure that every apprentice has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Furthermore, once an HIA apprentice become trade qualified, HIA continues to assist these new tradespeople through their career journey as members of the association.