For details visit current COVIDSafe settings in higher education, TAFE and training .
Apprentices and trainees who have been suspended, or lost their job completely
You should register with the Victorian Government's retrenched apprentices and .
You can apply for the Youth Allowance or Jobseeker . These are both administered by the Commonwealth Government through Services .
If you're looking for alternative employment you can:
- register your interest in an apprenticeship or on a Big Build project
- 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. This includes the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy.
Through the subsidy, any business or Group Training Organisation that engages an apprentice or trainee between 5 October 2020 and 30 September 2021 may be eligible for a subsidy of 50 per cent of wages paid to a new or recommencing apprentice or trainee for a 12-month period from the date of commencement, to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter.
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.
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 and subsidies.
Reviewed 12 July 2021