Sign up an apprentice or trainee
Whether you're ready to sign up your apprentice now or need a bit more help to get started, you're in the right place.
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Guiding an apprentice from the early stages of their career to becoming a fully qualified worker is a rewarding experience. With the right support, your apprentice is more likely to succeed, which benefits your business through improved retention, productivity, and team morale.
Why mentoring your apprentice matters
- Well-supported apprentices learn faster and contribute more effectively to your business.
- A positive training environment means apprentices are more likely to stay and grow with your company.
- A strong mentoring framework fosters teamwork and a culture of success.
We recognise that some of the responsibilities and obligations that come with taking on a new employee can be daunting and challenging. At Apprenticeship Support Australia, we provide the tools, resources, and ongoing support to help you mentor and guide your apprentice through their career journey.
Who’s involved in the apprenticeship process
Understanding the key players in the Australian Apprenticeships system can help you confidently navigate the process.
Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) – As your Government-contracted provider, we handle training contract sign-ups, assess eligibility for incentive programs, provide support services, and maintain regular contact with you and your apprentice.
State Training Authority (STA) – The STA regulates apprenticeships and approves your training arrangement. They differ per state and are as follows:
- New South Wales: Training Services NSW
- Queensland: Department of Trade, Employment and Training
- Victoria: The Victorian Registration and Quality Authority
- Western Australia: Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office
- South Australia: The Department for Innovation and Skills
- Tasmania: The Department of State Growth – Skills Tasmania
Apprenticeship Data Management System (ADMS) – A secure platform where apprentices/trainees can review and submit claim applications for eligible financial incentives. The ADMS is used by the employer to review and submit some claim applications. If eligible to claim - employers will receive an email notification to advise their application is ready to progress from ADMS.
Employer (You) – You hire the apprentice, provide on-the-job training, and ensure they receive appropriate supervision and support to gain the skills and knowledge to complete their qualification.
Group Training Organisation (GTO) – In some cases, apprentices/trainees are employed by a GTO and placed with businesses like yours for training and experience.
You (The Employer) – Gaining hands-on experience is essential for an apprentice. Your business provides appropriate training in the workplace, helping the apprentice gain practical skills and knowledge.
Registered Training Organisation (RTO) – The RTO (or Supervising Registered Training Organisation SRTO in QLD) works with you to deliver a training plan, provide training, assess skills achievement and issue the qualification on successful completion.
How we support your business
Apprenticeship Support Australia is here to ensure your experience as an employer for an apprentice is seamless and rewarding. We will provide tools and resources to assist you in inducting, motivating, and encouraging your new employees. Our support services include:
Mentoring guide
A comprehensive mentoring guide to help you coach your apprentice to success.
Application and incentive processing
Processing of applications and incentive claims if funding is applicable.
Incentive payment notifications
Keeping you informed as to when incentive payments are due and offering detailed instructions on how to apply.
Online coaching and mentoring
Access to our online employer coaching and mentoring program featuring videos, webinars, and tools to support your apprentice’s development.
On-demand mentor support
On-demand phone support from trained mentors on managing apprentices in the workplace.
Workplace assessments
Workplace assessments to identify opportunities to maximise the benefits of having an apprentice in your business.