This month begins Part 1 of our demystifying traineeships which
we hope will help you when deciding if you require an apprentice
or a trainee.

Don’t forget we are rewarding all referrals that convert to
new business with Gold Movie Passes - all you need to do is 
REFER A FRIEND. If you would like to know more about group training please take advantage of our 30 minute free consultation.

We are often asked the question "so what exactly is a traineeship?" Most of us are aware of what apprenticeships are - that they are generally trade-based and usually completed over a four year period. But there is often confusion in the marketplace as to what traineeships are. So we thought it might be helpful to try and demystify traineeships in a two part series over this and the next edition of the eNewsletter.

Just like apprenticeships, traineeships consist of structured on-the-job and off-the-job training, however they differ in that they tend to cover a broader cross-section of industry which can be applied to both blue and white collar industries.

This flexibility means that training can be tailored to the workplace, and in some cases, trainees are able to complete their units of competency at work, rather than having to attend TAFE one day a week. In this instance, a trainer would visit the workplace to conduct assessments.

There are also roles where it works well to put on a trainee in the interim before rolling the trainee into an apprenticeship. It’s just a matter of weighing up the pros and cons of both options and getting advice with consideration to your unique set of requirements.

Samantha Leet at 1300apprentice says "It really does depend on what the host employee’s needs are. For instance, I am currently working with a host employer in the Parks and Garden sector who would like to take on an apprentice but is unsure he will have ongoing work for a period of four years. A solution to this problem is to commence with a Certificate II level traineeship for a 12 month period, which can then be rolled over into an apprenticeship at the end of the 12 months should the host employer’s or trainee’s circumstances change. It is a win/win situation for both parties with flexible options available to both the host employer and the trainee”.

In our next edition we will explore the types of traineeships
that are available, and the job types that can be matched to
those traineeships. In the meantime, if you have any questions
regarding traineeships please give Sam a call on 1300apprentice
or 0418 441 570.

In the September 09 issue of our eNewsletter, we mentioned that the old 'Wage Top Up' and ‘Tools For Your Trade Voucher’ schemes were ceasing. We are now happy to report that, effective 1 January 2009, a new 'Tools for your Trade’ payment will exist for apprentices that are working in a trade that has been listed as a National Skills Shortage List. 

So what does this mean for you if you are an apprentice listed in a skills shortage trade?  As of 1 January 2010, all existing apprentices that were eligible for the old "Wage Top Up" and "Scholarship" payments have now been transferred to the new program. The new program entitles apprentices to recieve at the time of their 1st, 2nd and 3rd year completion anniversaries, incentives as listed below:

• After 3 months of commencement - $800
• After completion of the 1st year - $800
• After completion of the 2nd year - $800
• After completion of the 3rd year - $700
• On completion of the trade - $700

To find out more > click here

Or contact your Field Officer.

This month we are spotlighting Namatjira Skuthorpe who is a 2nd Year Mechanical Engineering apprentice hosted by Breseight Engineering Pty Ltd.

Namatjira’s story is a little bit different to our normal apprentice stories. He is a mature aged apprentice who decided after working as a Manager in Sales Support, to change his career direction and follow his passion. “I enjoyed the sales support role but I was looking for the right opportunity to develop my skills and I was also looking to complete a trade qualification which, in my view, would lead to further development and a career path,” Namatjira said.

This passion for mechanical engineering has seen Namatjira be accelerated in his TAFE course, and he has also enrolled in an additional TAFE course which runs two nights a week for a Diploma in Engineering.

Currently working as a second year apprentice with our host employer Breseight Engineering, Namatjira said that “Breseight is a great host employer and very supportive of my progress throughout this apprenticeship. The skills I am learning are setting me up for the future.”

Breseight Engineering’s Workshop Manager, Jason Ingram said
“We are very pleased with Namatjira’s progress. He is working in
an industry where there are fantastic opportunities available
for apprentices like him who work hard and demonstrate
their commitment.”

We had a couple of "lost time" injuries in February. We also had one worker suffer from dehydration whilst working in extremely hot conditions.

Remember that we must all take responsibility for work safety and make sure all PPE is properly worn on all occasions. If you are working in hot conditions, make sure you drink plenty of water and find a cool shady place out of the sun during your break.

Work cover have recently launched an interactive game for young workers which is a great fun way to get your work safe knowledge up to scratch. Follow this link to play  > LINK

Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth MP, launched the 2010 NSW Training Awards and is encouraging employers, organisations and individuals to put forward nominees. > more info

1300apprentice are excited to be exhibiting again this year at the Executive Assistants Conference. We find this an excellent opportunity to tell people about the benefits of employing new staff through a traineeship program > more info

Australian Business Limited Apprenticeships Centre has just released the 'Employer Safety Handbook' for managing apprentices and trainees. > Click here to download 

Some of our most exciting host employees are still young
enough to be applicable for The Industry & Investment NSW's Young Entrepreneur Stepping Up (YESUP) Program. This program focuses on supporting young entrepreneurs committed to growing their own businesses. If you are between 18 and 35 and have been running your own small business for more than a year,
> check out this link

To find out more about this program contact Kerry Gee at www.binarix.com.

If you are a new or existing business and need help setting up your OH&S processes or need to rehaul your existing practices, see how the 'Detail Devils' can help.

• Apprenticeship - 1st Year Horticulture (Parks & Gardens), Holroyd  > more
• Apprenticeship - 1st Year CNC Machinist, Revesby > more
• Apprenticeship - 1st Year Toolmaker, Revesby > more

> Click here for more HOT JOBS