Apprentice retention and completion strategy
Version 2.2
September 2010
Apprentice retention and completion strategy [PDF 65kB]
What is it?
The Department of Education and Training (DET) aims to provide the following to its training partners in monitoring competency-based training:
- educational processes as required
- assistance to remove blockages preventing training progression
- extra support for partners who fall under one of the following categories:
- skills shortage areas and employers new to training apprentices
- apprentices referred to DET via Apprenticeships Info line, Australian Apprenticeships Centres, training organisations or employers.
Workplace visit principles
DET visits workplaces to ensure progression through training occurs as competence is achieved and not under any time related process. DET plans visits at the following points of an apprenticeship:
- priority: 3 - 9 months after commencement
- priority: 10 - 16 months prior to completion
- priority: midpoint (2nd to 3rd stage).
DET staff plan workplace visits based on identified skills shortages and issues such as:
- industries with low completion rates
- apprentices failing to complete on time
- referrals from contract stakeholders
- workplaces with a history of training difficulties.
During visits DET staff will provide direction; empowering parties to ensure current blockages to progression are removed and future blockages are prevented from occurring. Follow up contact by DET staff may be necessary to ensure parties achieve an outcome.
Priorities for first contact are to ensure:
- a training plan has been developed
- training has commenced in the workplace
- there is contact between the SRTO, employer and apprentice
- the parties understand competency-based training
- action is taken on any issues identified.
Priorities for follow up contacts are to ensure:
- the apprentice or trainee is on track to complete when competent and the parties understand the completion process
- any outstanding training has been organised
- the training record is up to date.
Related issues that can prevent progression through training:
- lack of ownership of the training arrangement by the parties
- the apprentice is exposed to a limited range of duties
- training is not occurring for any reason
- other workplace issues affecting the relationship between employer and apprentice.
Who to contact?
For further information, contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.