Apprentice Information Kit | Sarina Russo

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Home / Apprenticeships / Resources / Apprentice Information Kit
Apprentice Information Kit

Access all the information you need for your apprenticeship or traineeship right here!

Sarina Russo Apprenticeships - Information Kit

SERVICES

As your first point of contact, Sarina Russo Apprenticeships provides you with personalised advice and support services from pre-commencement to completion.

Services include:

    • Explaining what an Apprenticeship offers you and how it works;
    • Helping you complete the Training Contract with your employer;
    • Processing any payments due to you; and
    • Having regular contact with you, especially when you need extra support to help complete your apprenticeship.

Call us on 1300 178 776 if you have any questions

Getting Your Apprenticeship Started

If you are under 18, one of your parents or a legal guardian will also be required to sign your Training Contract.  It is easier for you, and your employer, for you to bring your parent or guardian to the sign-up appointment.  Otherwise we will need to make arrangements for another appointment BEFORE the Training Contract can proceed.

In providing Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Services to you, Sarina Russo Apprenticeships collects personal and sensitive information provided by You for the purposes of providing you with appropriate services and assistance.

Sarina Russo Apprenticeships is committed to complying with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (“the Act”). Your Information will only be disclosed in accordance with this Act.

Click here for more information.

Get a career head start with a School-Based Apprenticeship

A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) lets you:

  • Work as a paid employee,
  • Train on the job, and
  • Complete your Year 10, 11 or 12 studies and work towards a nationally-recognised qualification.

Advantages of a school-based apprenticeship:

  • Transition from school straight into work
  • Shape your future with real work-life skills, knowledge and confidence

How to get started

  • Talk to your school’s Careers Advisor or Guidance Counsellor.
  • Contact Sarina Russo for career advice, resume preparation, interview skills, employer links and sign-up support.
  • Once you’ve started Sarina Russo helps you stay on track with the right mentoring and support.

Frequently asked questions

A representative of Sarina Russo Apprenticeships will meet with you to complete a Training Contract. This most likely will be at your workplace but could also be at one of our offices.

At the sign-up Sarina Russo Apprenticeships will need to verify your identification. Please bring ONE form of photo identification or TWO forms of other identification (such as a Birth Certificate, Medicare card or bank card).

You must also bring with you your Unique Student Identifier.

Your Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a reference number that creates an online record of your training and qualifications attained in Australia.

The USI is part of a Council of Australian Governments initiative to improve the collection of nationally recognised training data.

You need a USI in order to receive your qualification or statement of attainment.

Sarina Russo Apprenticeships must record your USI as part of the apprenticeship sign-up process, or within 3 months of you commencing your Australian Apprenticeship.

For further information, including how find or create an USI, please read the fact sheet available here.

Once the Training Contract is completed, and signed by all parties, it is submitted to the Sarina Russo Apprenticeships admin team for review.

After the Training Contract has been reviewed, and any required amendments approved by yourself and your employer, a copy of the Training Contract will be emailed to you and the Training Contract will also be submitted to the State Training Authority for their approval.

You may need to check your junk or spam folder for this email if you do not receive a copy into your main email inbox.  It is very important you keep a copy of your Training Contract for your records.

Incentives To Help You Succeed

The Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment provides direct financial assistance to eligible apprentices and trainees. It is available to both new and recommencing apprentices and trainees who are undertaking a Certificate III or higher qualification in a Priority Occupation. Payments are paid according to the following schedule and rates:

Time period Full-time Rate Part-time rate
6 months $1,250 $625
12 months $1,250 $625
18 months $1,250 $625
24 months $1,250 $625

Priority Occupations are occupations classified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as being either Technicians and Trades Workers, or Community and Personal Service Workers and are assessed as being in national skills shortage.  The full list of occupations and qualifications can be found on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.

Starting from January 2023 you may need to use the Apprenticeship Data Management System (ADMS) to claim financial incentives from the Government.

You will need a myGov account set up to access ADMS. Your myGov can be either linked to Centrelink, ATO or Medicare OR connected to a standard myGovID.

  • If you don’t have a myGov account, you can follow the instructions online to create one.
  • If you have used myGov to complete a tax return, file a Medicare claim, access your COVID-19 vaccine certificate or claim Centrelink payments then your account has already been linked.
  • If you don’t have a linked myGov account, you can follow the instructions online to create a Standard strength myGovID.

An overview on setting up your ADMS access and how to access ADMS in the future can be found in the Information Sheet - Accessing ADMS.

If you need, Sarina Russo Apprenticeships are here to help you and will support you to set up your ADMS access.

If working in activities principally motivated by the production of renewable energy, and/or by the design, construction and/or operation and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure.

Time period Full-time Rate Part-time rate
6 months $2,000 $1,000
12 months $2,000 $1,000
24 months $2,000 $1,000
36 months $2,000 $1,000
Completion $2,000 $1,000

Criteria applies. Cannot also claim Training Support Payment, if applicable. Commencing 1/1/23.

Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans are available to eligible apprentices to help with the everyday costs of completing your apprenticeship. You can receive up to $24,492 over the life of your apprenticeship. Applications are available from your Sarina Russo consultant or call 1300 178 776. For more information Click Here

If you’ve moved from your parents’ home, for the first time, due to excessive travel to start your Australian Apprenticeship, you may be eligible for Living Away from Home Allowance.

If you want to apply, you can get an application from your Sarina Russo consultant or call 1300 178 776.

For more information Click Here.

If you are a low income earner and you meet the income test you may qualify for a Low Income Health Care Card.  

Click Here for more information on how to claim.

Support is available through tutorial, interpreter and mentor services for Australian Apprentices who need extra assistance with their off-the-job training.

For further information on how to apply call 1300 178 776

Student Edge is the number one site for student discounts, paid surveys, competitions, forums, news, jobs, student tools and more.

By signing up, you can get free instant access to in-store and online student discount and promo codes. 

https://studentedge.org/app

PowerPass Apprentice has been designed just for you. It gives you access to all the great benefits that Bunnings Trade PowerPass customers receive, without having to wait until you’ve completed your apprenticeship.

For more information Click Here

After You Have Started Your Apprenticeship

As part of your Australian Apprenticeship, Sarina Russo Apprenticeships will be working alongside you as you complete your apprenticeship or traineeship.

This is to ensure that you are progressing towards completing your qualification as well as meeting your obligations under the Training Contract.

Our contacts with you could be made face-to-face, by phone, email, video chat or SMS. It is important you respond as quickly as possible to any contact to avoid missing out on vital information and updates.

As you commence your apprenticeship, there will be more contact to help solve any issues so you have the best chance to complete your qualification.

Click here for more Information.

FAQs

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINEESHIP?
An apprenticeship usually relates to a trade, eg electrician, hairdresser, chef, plumber or carpenter. A traineeship generally relates to industries that don’t need a trade certificate, eg business, retail, hospitality and more.

HOW LONG WILL MY APPRENTICESHIP TAKE?
Full time apprenticeships take between 36 to 48 months, depending on the apprentice and how quickly you complete the competencies. An apprentice will undertake qualifications from Cert Level III to Advanced Diploma. Full time traineeships will take between 12 and 24 months, undertaking qualifications from Cert Level I to Advanced Diploma.

Recognition of prior learning, on the job learning and formal or informal experience can all contribute towards competency and completion of your qualification.

IS THERE A PROBATIONARY PERIOD?
Yes, usually the probationary period for a full-time apprenticeship is 90 days while a traineeship is 30-60 days.

IS THERE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA TO BECOME AN APPRENTICE OR TRAINEE?
Apprenticeships or traineeships are available to anyone of working age who are Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents, a NZ Passport holder or the holder of a visa type which allows you to work in Australia. You don’t need a secondary school certificate or other qualification to be able to do an apprenticeship or traineeship.

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you’re a school leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult worker simply wishing to change careers or gain new skills. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you’re still at school finishing Years 11 and 12. 

DO I NEED TO BE EMPLOYED FULL TIME?
As an apprentice or trainee you can combine time at work with training and can be either employed as full-time, part-time (minimum of 15 hours per week).

As a school-based apprentice you must be employed on a permanent basis, not casual (you will need to work a minimum of 50 days per year, usually one day per week).

WHAT INCENTIVES ARE AVAILABLE?
There are a number of incentives you may be eligible for including Trade Support Loans, Living Away from Home Allowances and Centrelink allowances under Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy. Contact Sarina Russo on 13 15 59.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for other government incentives or support services when commencing your apprenticeship or traineeship.

HOW DO I FIND AN APPRENTICESHIP?
There are hundreds of employers seeking apprentices or trainees for their workplace and in a wide range of industries. You can approach employers directly, or visit Sarina Russo’s Jobs Board 

School Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships – FAQ

WHAT’S A SCHOOL BASED APPRENTICESHIP?

A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) lets you work as a paid employee, train on the job and complete your Year 10, 11 or 12 studies. You’ll work towards achieving a nationally recognised qualification.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

You need to be at school to qualify as well as being an Australian Citizen, New Zealand passport holder or holder of a visa which allows you to work in Australia. You need to be able to work a minimum of 50 days a year where your employment and training will impact your school timetable.

HOW MUCH DO I GET PAID?

This depends on your qualification and the award you are required to be paid by your employer. Pay rates and minimum conditions can be found on the Fairwork website – www.fairwork.gov.au/pay. Subject to eligibility financial incentives may be

available to you or your employer.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I FINISH SCHOOL BEFORE I COMPLETE MY APPRENTICESHIP OR TRAINEESHIP?

Depending on your employer, you can continue with your apprenticeship or traineeship once you leave school, either in a full time or part time capacity.

HOW LONG DOES A SCHOOL-BASED APPRENTICESHIP OR TRAINEESHIP TAKE?

A full-time traineeship can take between 12 – 24 months. A full-time apprenticeship is generally 36 – 48 months. School-based apprenticeships and traineeships may take longer, depending on the qualification you have chosen, how you apply yourself and how quickly you complete the required competencies.

HOW DOES THE SCHOOL HELP?

First you need your school’s permission. Most students are eligible and it’s best to seek advice and approval from your Guidance Counsellor or Careers Advisor. The school will then work together with you, your parents, your employer and the training provider to assist with any support you need.

WHICH TRAINING PROVIDER DO I CHOOSE?

You can choose a public institution (like TAFE) or from a range of private Registered Training Organisations who offer the qualification you want. The training provider is responsible for developing your training plan and delivering and assessing your formal training.

HOW DOES SARINA RUSSO HELP YOU?

Sarina Russo provides support and information to you, your employer and your school. We can also help find you a suitable employer in the industry of your choice, guidance in selecting a training provider, assistance with claiming any eligible financial incentives, mentoring support if needed and more.

Targeted Support Programs

Online career profiling and job search coaching tool to help you find the ideal career. 

It includes psychometric testing to ensure the best fit vocational pathway. 

Discovery is available free to eligible apprentices connected to Sarina Russo Apprenticeships.

Please ask a Sarina Russo Apprenticeship representative to find out more about the Discovery Program.

GET IN TOUCH

Gateway Services provides a list of vacancies and helpful hints on securing employment. 

To register your details and explore vacancies and job searching tools please Click here 

During your Australian Apprenticeship, you may be requested at various times to complete a KnowU assessments, so we can deliver you the most relevant and up to date In Training Support.

Codes of Conduct

The Code of Conduct applies to Sarina Russo and our staff. It represents the standards we must apply when we deal with you so receive highest quality service.

For more information Click here. 

The National Code of Good Practice ensures Employers and Apprentices have a clear understanding of each other’s obligations and expectations throughout the lifetime of an Australian Apprenticeship. 

For more Information Click Here.

The Fair Work Ombudsman provides advice about Australia’s workplace rights and rules.  This includes pay, leave, employee entitlements and details on awards and agreements. 

If you are seeking advice on wages and other conditions of your employment please visit https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ 

The Fair Work Ombudsmen’s guide for Australian Apprentices outline terms and conditions of your employment.  Click here. 

State and Territory Requirements and Information

State Training Authority (STA)

Is the body responsible for the operation of the Vocational Education and Training system, including Australian Apprenticeships.

In the ACT, the STA is Skills Canberra.  More information about the role of Skills Canberra can be found at https://www.act.gov.au/skills/students/australian-apprenticeships

 

Colour Vision Testing – Electrical Apprentices

A colour vision test report is required to approve training contracts in the following qualifications. 

    • Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
    • Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning
    • Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

The colour vision test results should be on an Optometrist letterhead. 

For more information contact your ACT Sarina Russo consultant on 1300 178 776.

 

ACT Vocational Education and Training Administration Records System (AVETARS)

 

Online application used by Skills Canberra to manage vocational education and training initiatives in the ACT

 

To initiate training contract variations and cancellations, Australian Apprentices and employers have access to AVETARS.  Login at   https://www.avetars.act.gov.au/

State Training Authority (STA)

In NSW, the STA is Training Services NSW who provide vocational education and training advice and information to apprentices and trainees and their employers, industry and training providers.

Training Services NSW operates regional offices across NSW.  For more information and contacts click here.

Transport Concession Entitlement Card

The NSW Government allows eligible apprentices and trainees concession fares to travel on public transport in NSW. 

To apply for a Travel Concession Entitlement Card click here.

Continuing Apprentices Placement Service for Apprentices (CAPS)

Is a free matching service that helps apprentices in skills shortage occupations who have lost their job due to the economic downturn to find new employers to complete their training.

The Continuing Apprentices Register allows employers to browse through the list of out-of-trade apprentices and request their contact details if they find someone suitable for their business.

For more information and to register click here.

Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships

Assist apprentices from NSW who have demonstrated:

    • Hardship in their personal circumstances
    • Aptitude to successfully complete their trade training
    • Positive attitude and application in the workplace and in off-the-job training.

The scholarships are valued up to $5000 per year.  More information click here. 

Apprentice Vehicle Registration Rebate

If you’re a first or second-year apprentice registered with the Training Services NSW, you can apply for a registration rebate to help with the costs of registering your vehicle.  

For more information click here.

Travel, Accommodation and Relocation Assistance

Financial assistance is available to eligible apprentices and trainees in NSW to assist in meeting some of the costs associated with training. 

For more information click here.

State Training Authority

The State Training Authority (STA) is the State or Territory Government body responsible for the operation of the Vocational Education and Training system, including Australian Apprenticeships, within that jurisdiction.

In Queensland the STA is the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.  Any Apprenticeship and Traineeship enquires can be made by call 1800 210 210* (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.45pm) or via email to apprenticeshipsinfo@qld.gov.au

Further information is available on their website. 

 

Travel and accommodation subsidy

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training provides a travel and accommodation subsidy to eligible apprentices and trainees, who are required to travel at least 100kms return to attend off-the-job training for their apprenticeship or traineeship.

For more information and how to apply click here.

 

Training assistance for cancelled apprentices and trainees

If your training contract is cancelled, you may continue training with your registered training organisation while you look for an employer to carry on your apprenticeship or traineeship.

More information is available here.

 

Assistance and Support

During the term of an apprenticeship or traineeship, an employer, apprentice or trainee may seek assistance or support from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, their Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider or, for more serious concerns, various other organisations. More information on available resources can be found here.

State Training Authority

The State Training Authority (STA) is the State or Territory Government body responsible for the operation of the Vocational Education and Training system, including Australian Apprenticeships, within that jurisdiction.

In South Australia the STA is the Skills SA.  Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services assumes responsibility for day to day operation of the Apprenticeship System in SA  They can be contacted on 1800 673 097, via email distas@sa.gov.au or online on their website.

State Training Authority

The State Training Authority (STA) is the State or Territory Government body responsible for the operation of the Vocational Education and Training system, including Australian Apprenticeships, within that jurisdiction.

In Victoria the STA is the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (or VRQA). 

They are an independent statutory authority that works to assure the quality of education and training in Victoria. They apply standards to education and training providers and accredit courses and qualifications.  They register apprentices and trainees, approve their employers and assure all parties meet their contractual obligations.

The VRQA can be contacted on 1300 722 603 (10:00 am—4:30 pm, Monday—Friday) or you can visit their website.

 

Apprenticeship Support Officers

Apprenticeship Support Officers give guidance to all apprentices aged 15 to 24 in the first year of their apprenticeship. They offer advice on personal and workplace issues.

Officers are located across regional and metropolitan Victoria and service areas are based on employer workplace location.

If you are an eligible apprentice, an officer will contact you and provide their details. If you have not yet been contacted or have lost their details call 1300 311 820 or email apprenticeship.support@djsir.vic.gov.au

https://www.apprenticeships.vic.gov.au/apprenticeship-support-officer-program/

 

Check-ins with authorised officers

The VRQA regulates apprenticeships and traineeships in Victoria and their authorised officers contact apprentices and trainees to see how their apprenticeship or traineeship is progressing.

If you’re due for your check-in, you’ll receive a phone call from them.

​A check-in takes a few minutes. They involves you answering a few simple questions about your workplace and employer.

Click here for more information and to check your apprenticeship or traineeship is on track

 

Trade apprentice registration discount

If you’re a trade apprentice using your car for work, you can get 100% off your next registration renewal.  For eligibility and to apply click here.

 

Trade Papers

Trade papers are a certificate awarded when you complete an apprenticeship.  They’re used to let employers and customers know that you’ve completed all parts of the apprenticeship and you can apply those skills on the job.

Click Here for more information.

State Training Authority

The State Training Authority (STA) is the State or Territory Government body responsible for the operation of the Vocational Education and Training system, including Australian Apprenticeships, within that jurisdiction.

The Department of Training and Workforce Development’s Apprenticeship Office registers and administers training contracts and regulates the apprenticeship system in Western Australia.  They can be contacted on 13 19 54 or via email apprenticeshipoffice@dtwd.wa.gov.au

More information is available from their website https://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/apprenticeship-office

 

Western Australian Apprenticeship Management System (WAAMS)

The WAAMS online client portal delivers significant benefits including improved access to view and manage training contracts and greater flexibility to manage your personal details and/or those of your employer.

 

Travel and accommodation allowance (TAA)

TAA is financial assistance provided to contribute towards the travel and accommodation costs of eligible apprentices required to attend off-the job training. An eligible apprentice is entitled to claim the following based on the round-trip distance travelled to the closest training provider.

      • Less than 71 kilometres – no assistance
      • Between 71 and 149 kilometres – travel allowance only
      • 150 kilometres or more – travel and accommodation allowance.

For enquiries relating to TAA, or to submit application forms, please contact taa@dtwd.wa.gov.au.

Further information on eligibility and how to claim is available here.

State Training Authority

The State Training Authority (STA) is the State or Territory Government body responsible for the operation of the Vocational Education and Training system, including Australian Apprenticeships, within that jurisdiction.

In Tasmania the role of the STA is undertaken by Skills Tasmania.  Specifically the Training Operations area approves and register training contracts, approves requests to amend the training contract, manage the payment of travel and accommodation allowances for eligible apprentices and trainees travelling interstate and intrastate for off-the-job training.

More Information can be found here

Phone: 1800 655 846

Email: enquiries@skills.tas.gov.au

Web: www.skills.tas.gov.au

 

Apprentice/trainee travel and accommodation allowances

Skills Tasmania provides travel and accommodation allowances to assist apprentices and trainees who are required to travel to attend off-the-job training either within Tasmania or interstate.

Click here for more information and how to apply.

“Sarina Russo Job Access (Aust) Pty Ltd trading as Sarina Russo Apprenticeships is a service provider contracted by the Australian Government as represented by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to provide support services to prospective and current employers and Australian Apprentices. Sarina Russo Apprenticeships is one of a number of Network Providers in ACT, NSW, Queensland and Victoria. This website does not represent the Australian Government. If You wish to access information about Australian Apprenticeships from the Australian Government, You should access the website https://www.apprenticeships.gov.au/”.

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