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Understanding your responsibilities as an employer
Apprenticeships and traineeships are formal training arrangements combining paid work with structured training. Both employers and apprentices have obligations under the Training Contract, which is a legal document outlining the apprenticeship arrangement.
Free employer guide
Understand your responsibilities, meet your obligations and confidently support apprentices throughout their training journey. Whether you're employing an apprentice for the first time or managing multiple apprentices, the guide provides practical advice to help you navigate your role.
The National Code of Good Practice for Australian Apprenticeships outlines the responsibilities of employers and apprentices during the apprenticeship. Employers must provide appropriate supervision, training and a safe workplace. They must also comply with relevant Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation relating to employment, training and workplace safety.
Apprentices also have responsibilities relating to workplace behaviour, training participation and professional conduct.
What does good apprenticeship management involve?
Meeting your legal requirements is just part of managing an apprentice. Employers must also create a positive learning environment where apprentices can develop skills, complete training and gain experience. Apprenticeships are most successful when employers and apprentices work together with mutual respect, fairness and a shared commitment to learning and success.
A strong onboarding process helps apprentices understand workplace expectations, training requirements and support from the beginning. You should explain the Training Contract and ensure apprentices know their rights, responsibilities, what is expected of them during their apprenticeship and who to go to for support.
Need onboarding documents? Generate employment contracts, policies and payslip templates using our free onboarding documents tool.
Apprentices should feel physically and psychologically safe at work. Employers and supervisors should foster a respectful workplace culture that is free from bullying and discrimination. Apprentices should feel comfortable asking questions, raising concerns and developing their skills with confidence.
Employers play an important role in supporting apprentices to complete both on-the-job and off-the-job training. This includes working with the apprentice and training provider to support progress, maintain accurate training records and ensure workplace learning aligns with the qualification being completed.
Employers are also responsible for advising the relevant State or Territory Training Authority once the apprenticeship is completed, and of any changes that may affect the Training Contract.
Regular communication, feedback and approachable supervisors can help apprentices feel confident and engaged. Effective apprentice supervision and mentoring also helps apprentices build skills, confidence and positive workplace habits.
New to supervising apprentices? Complete our free Apprentice Supervisor Training.
Ready to put these principles into practice?
Our free employer guide can help you manage your apprentice. It includes practical guidance aligned with the National Code of Good Practice for Australian Apprenticeships and covers:
- Onboarding and workplace induction
- Workplace expectations and responsibilities
- Creating a safe and supportive workplace
- Training and development
- Supervision, mentoring and communication
Your guide to managing apprentices
Everything employers need to know to set their apprentices up for success, explained clearly in one downloadable e-guide.
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