Apprentices and trainees who have been suspended, or lost their job completely
You should register with the Victorian Government's Program for retrenched apprentices and trainees.
You can apply for the new Jobseeker if both apply:
- you're not receiving Youth Allowance (Apprentice) payments
- you've lost your job and are not receiving an income due to COVID-19.
If you're seeking Jobseeker payments, you do not need to provide an employment separation certificate. This means that if you have had your apprenticeship suspended – but not terminated – you're still eligible for Jobseeker payments.
If you're looking for alternative employment you can:
- register with the Victorian Government's Working for Victoria program
- access the Australian Government's Jobs
Advice and support for apprentices and trainees
Apprenticeship support officers
Apprentices and trainees who need advice and assistance can contact the apprenticeship support officer program.
Call 1300 311 820 or email apprenticeship.support@edumail.vic.gov.au
Group Training Organisations
If you are an apprentice of trainee employed by a Group Training Organisation (GTO) you can contact the GTO directly for advice and support. A list of recognised is available on the Victorian Regulations Qualifications Authority (VRQA) website.
Information for employers of apprentices and trainees
The Australian Government administers employer incentives and training contracts through its Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers.
It has implemented three new programs that support employers to pay the wages of apprentices and trainees:
- supporting Apprentices and
- JobKeeper
- Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements [SNN1] - this initiative provides a wage subsidy of 50 per cent, for the first 100,000 apprentices and trainees who commence or recommence an apprenticeship or traineeship on or after 5 October 2020.
Advice on accessing these payments is available from your AASN . In most cases the relevant AASN provider is the one which processed your apprentice or trainee's training contact.
The Australian Government also has a range of programs to assist businesses and individuals during .
Youth Employment Scheme
The Youth Employment (YES) offers people aged between 15 to 24 paid work experience in the Victorian Public Service (VPS) for 12 months while completing accredited training (Traineeships).
YES aims to increase the participation of young people in the workforce, while assisting communities to meet future skill and employment needs.
Advice on changing training contracts
Employers, apprentices and trainees may need to change training contracts due to COVID-19.
Information about doing this, including frequently asked questions and contact details for further assistance is available on the VRQA .
About apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine:
- work-based training with an employer
- formal training from a training provider
They're established under training contracts between the employer and the apprentice or trainee. They're regulated by government.
The Department administers several programs to support apprentices and trainees.
The VRQA regulates the training contracts.
The Australian Government administers training contracts and employer incentives. It's responsible for a range of new funding programs to support businesses and individuals during coronavirus .
Reviewed 22 February 2021