Introduction
More than ever, Queensland's economic strength depends on the state's workforce having the skills to meet the dynamic needs of business and industry. An emphasis on training needs to be promoted and maintained through periods of economic growth and decline alike, to ensure a suitable supply of skilled workers in proceeding years.
That's why in today's dynamic labour market, with a large range of career options available to individuals, workplaces need to fully engage and value those who choose an apprenticeship or traineeship to ensure they are retained. For industry, retention helps ensure its sustainability through increased productivity and reduced labour costs.
A quality training experience can go a long way towards retaining individuals. A quality training experience is not only crucial for the skill development of each individual apprentice or trainee, it's also crucial for the ongoing development of Queensland's industries and the state's overall economic prosperity.
Useful publications
Guides
How to get the most out of your apprentice - a guide for employers [PDF 1.8MB]
This guide assists employers to become established as an employer of choice to attract apprentices and trainees and also to ensure the productivity of apprentices and trainees, maximising the return on the training investment.
How to get the most out of your training - a guide for apprentices and trainees [PDF 894kB]
This guide assists apprentices and trainees understand the importance of their role in training and that a qualification provides security in their working life, particularly during tough economic times.
Other resources
The exposure of apprentices and trainees to inappropriate behaviours can reduce the likelihood of retention. The following are practical resources that outline what's right and wrong, and what action can be taken in workplaces to retain staff.
The 'Train to Retain' checklist [PDF 73kB]
Inappropriate workplace behaviours [PDF 75kB]
Prevention of inappropriate behaviours [PDF 65kB]
An example 'Code of Conduct' to set behavioural standards [PDF 59kB]
An informal resolution process for workplaces [PDF 77kB]
An exemplar workplace harassment prevention policy [DOC 43kB]
PowerPoint presentations
A fundamental aspect of the Train to Retain initiative is making sure all participants in the apprenticeship and traineeship system are well equipped with information to ensure things run smoothly in workplaces. In addition to the resources and information above, the following slideshows can be downloaded to assist in educating key groups involved in apprenticeship training:
Information for Australian Apprenticeships Centres [PPT 400kB]
Information for supervising registered training organisations [PPT 398kB]
Information for employers [PPT 392kB]
Information for apprentices and trainees [PPT 343kB]