Are Part Time Apprenticeships Available?
It is possible to undertake Australian Apprenticeships on a part-time basis. Employers should be aware that an individual is not considered to be an Australian Apprentice until they are in an approved Training Contract. Part-time Australian Apprentices receive, on a pro rata basis the same conditions of employment as those who are full-time, and must be paid under a relevant and appropriate industrial arrangement.
The required minimum work and training hours that will be approved for a part-time Training Contracts in the ACT and the nominal terms of the training contracts are set out below. However, there may be exceptions and these will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Question 39 on the Training Contract must indicate the number of hours of combined employment and training per week. The following minimum Training Contract hours for all Australian Apprentices must include a minimum of 3 hours in structured training with the remaining hours in the workplace, per week. Training Contract hours cannot be “averaged” or “casualised” over periods of time.
Part-Time Traineeships
|
Minimum hours per week – inclusive of training time |
Where full-time Training Contract nominal term is: |
Part-time Training Contract nominal term is: |
|
15 hours |
12 months |
18 months |
|
15 hours |
24 months |
36 months |
|
15 hours |
36 months |
54 months |
ASBAs only11 hours for Certificate II |
12/24/36/48 months |
18/36/54/72 months |
In nearly all instances the National Training Wage Award 2000 applies to Traineeships including Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASBAs). Clause 14 of the National Training Wage Award 2000 explains whether a part-time Trainee receives payment for training hours or not. For full clarification on this matter ring WorkChoices on 1300 363 264. For school students undertaking an ordinary part-time Traineeship that is not an ASBA endorsed by the Principal, the normal part-time minimum hours of 15 hours per week will apply.
Part Time Apprenticeships
|
Minimum hours per week – inclusive of training time |
Where full-time Training Contract nominal term is: |
Part-time Training Contract nominal term is: |
|
15 hours |
36/48 months |
54/72 months |
The National Training Wage Award 2000 does not apply to Apprentices. The Workplace Relations Act provides the legislative framework for part-time Apprenticeships, including Australian School-based Apprenticeships (Apprentices). Employers must confirm with WorkChoices on 1300 363 264 whether the applicable industry award has provisions to cover apprentices. Most awards in the ACT are common rule which means they automatically apply to all workers in defined occupations in a particular industry.
Employers may alternatively decide to employ Australian Apprentices through a Collective or Individual Workplace Agreement (AWA). Assistance in drawing up Workplace Agreements can be obtained from the Workplace Authority on 1300 363 264. Employers choosing AWAs must provide the lodgement number or receipt from the Workplace Authority with the Training Contract lodged for approval.
Casual to Part-Time
In the ACT once a casual employee enters into a Training Contract they change their status from casual to part-time for the duration of the Training Contract, and are therefore entitled to conditions of service currently offered to part-time employees. They would be paid the appropriate part-time rate, be entitled to part-time conditions of employment and would no longer be paid a casual loading in lieu of annual leave, sick leave, personal leave etc.
Please note: Workplace relations matters are for the employer in each instance to establish. Training and Tertiary Education (TaTE) cannot make a determination or give advice other than on training issues. Employers should seek advice on wages from WorkChoices on 1300 363 264.
