What are the responsibilities of an Employer?

Apprenticeships and Traineeships in NSW are administered under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001. This legislation sets out the roles and responsibilities of the employer and the apprentice or trainee who are party to the Training Contract.

An employer must provide an apprentice with:

• every opportunity to learn the skills and acquire the knowledge of the trade

• access to structured on and/or off-the-job training

• time off work to attend training where necessary

• time at work to undertake structured training

• a safe working environment

• workers compensation coverage

• a work environment free from any form of harassment

• other benefits as specified in the training agreement or industrial arrangement (eg a tool allowance).

The employer is responsible for ensuring that the apprentice has access to the full range of work required to develop the skills and industry knowledge they need for the job.

The employer also needs to observe the apprentice's progress and confirm that they are developing the required skills and knowledge.

To ensure this is done the employer must keep various records. Depending on the nature of the apprenticeship, these records include:

• a progress card (for trainee apprentices only)

• an attendance card (sometimes issued by the registered training organisation) to confirm regular attendance at off-the-job training (for apprentices only).

• A record of skills acquired on the job to be given to the RTO at intervals during the apprenticeship.

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