Apprenticeships

APM Apprenticeships is here throughout your apprenticeship journey, from preparing to join to completing your apprenticeship.

We are contracted by the Australian Government to ensure you and your employer receive high-quality support.

Before you start

• Career advice: Guidance on choosing the right apprenticeship and career path based on your interests, skills, and long-term goals.
• Matching with employers: Assistance in finding suitable apprenticeship opportunities and matching you with potential employers.

Getting started

• Training contract: Help with the paperwork and legalities involved in signing a training contract with your employer.
• Induction: Introduction to the apprenticeship system, explaining your rights and responsibilities and what to expect during your training.

During your apprenticeship

• Mentorship and support: Ongoing mentorship to help you navigate any challenges, stay motivated, and achieve your training objectives.
• Progress monitoring: Regular check-ins to monitor your progress, address any issues, and ensure you’re on track to complete your apprenticeship.
• Conflict resolution: Assistance in resolving workplace conflicts or training-related issues, to ensure you and your employer maintain a positive and productive learning environment.

Training and assessment

• Training plan: A tailored training plan in collaboration with your employer and registered training organisation (RTO).
• Support with assessments: Guidance on preparing for and completing assessments to achieve your qualifications.

Accessing financial help

• Incentive applications: Help with applying for various financial incentives and allowances provided by the Australian Government.
• Budgeting advice: Financial advice to help you manage your finances effectively during your apprenticeship.

Completion services

• Completion certificate: Assistance with the paperwork and processes required to obtain your completion certificate and nationally recognised qualification.
• Career transition: Guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation to help you transition from apprenticeship to full-time employment.
• Further education and training: Advice on opportunities for further education and training to advance your career.

The Australian Government offers various financial incentives and allowances to support apprentices.

These initiatives are designed to ease the financial burden, encouraging more people to take up apprenticeships and complete their training successfully.

Speak to APM Apprenticeships to discuss your eligibility for any of these financial supports.

Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA)

• Eligibility: LAFHA is available to eligible apprentices who have to move away from their parental home for work purposes.
• Support: The allowance helps cover the additional costs of living away from home. It is provided for up to 12 months.

Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan 

• Eligibility: Available to Australian apprentices undertaking a Certificate III or IV level qualification leading to an occupation on the National Skills Needs List.
• Support: Apprentices can access loans over the life of their apprenticeship. The loans are paid monthly in arrears and can be used for any living and work expenses. Apprentices receive a 20% discount on their loan amount if they complete their apprenticeship.

Youth Allowance, Austudy, and ABSTUDY

• Eligibility: Depending on age, study load, and personal circumstances, apprentices may be eligible for Youth Allowance (for those under 25), Austudy (for those over 25), or ABSTUDY (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices).
• Support: These payments help cover living expenses while you are undertaking your apprenticeship.

For more information including the latest details on the amount of funding in each support, visit the Australian Apprenticeships website.

Wages for an Apprentice or Trainee

• Training contract requirement: You can only be paid apprentice/trainee rates if you have a formal training contract with your employer.
• Variable pay rates: Pay rates depend on the industry and increase at different periods or skill levels during your apprenticeship.
• Minimum conditions: Modern Awards establish minimum conditions for employers across Australia.
• Further information: Visit fairwork.gov.au/pay for more details on wages.

If You're Experiencing Problems

• Immediate action: Inform your supervisor or manager if you’re not receiving appropriate support, experiencing harassment or bullying, or facing any other issues.
• Additional support: Contact APM Apprenticeships for advice and assistance.
• Training provider and DESBT: Speak to your training provider or contact the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT).
• Anti-bullying laws: Most workers, including apprentices and trainees, are covered by national anti-bullying laws. More information is available at fairwork.gov.au or by contacting the Fair Work Commission on 13 13 94.

Your Health & Safety in the Workplace

• Follow Instructions: Follow all health and safety instructions given by your employer.
• Safe Workplace: Your employer must provide a workplace free from verbal, physical, sexual, and racial abuse.
• Legal Obligations: Employers are legally obligated to ensure your physical and mental safety.
• More Information: Visit safeworkaustralia.gov.au for more details.

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Providers’ Code of Conduct

• Standards and Behaviour: As an Australian Apprenticeship Support Services provider, APM Apprenticeships complies with the Code of Conduct, which sets out acceptable behaviour and service standards. You can request a copy if needed.

You and Your Employer’s Obligations

• National Code of Good Practice: This code helps employers and apprentices understand each other’s obligations and expectations. A copy is included in your induction kit.

Ongoing Support from APM Apprenticeships

• Regular Check-Ins: APM Apprenticeships will regularly contact you to check your progress and offer support.
• Contact Us: Reach out anytime for assistance at 1800 276 276.

Your Privacy

• Privacy Principles: APM Apprenticeships adheres to the Australian Privacy Principles. If you have concerns about how your personal information is handled, contact APM Apprenticeships.

Amending or Cancelling a Training Contract

• Making Changes: If you need to amend or cancel your training contract, contact APM Apprenticeships on 1800 276 276 at any time.

Completing Your Qualification

• Discuss Completion: Talk to your employer to ensure all on-the-job competencies are met before contacting your training provider to facilitate the process.
• Agreement Required: You, your employer, and your training provider must agree that all required competencies, both on and off the job, are achieved before you receive your qualification.

Have a Complaint?

• Escalating Issues: Contact the Skilling Australia information line in the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (1800 020 108) if you need to escalate a complaint against an Apprenticeship Network provider that couldn’t be resolved through their process.

Download the Australian Apprenticeships guide for apprentices and trainees.

Visit our APM Apprenticeships teams in Victoria.