Sarina Russo Apprenticeships will help you with the best recruitment support… at NO COST
- Find/Source/Assist you to hire work-ready apprentices or trainees
- Mentor and support your apprentice and trainee, both on and off the job
- Assess eligibility for financial incentives to assist with wages and other costs
- Take care of the paperwork so you can focus on running your business
- Provide personalised advice from commencement (start) to completion (finish)
- Supply a ‘How to’ Guide for Employers
Call us on 1300 178 776 if you have any questions
Sign Up
The Fair Work Ombudsman has produced a guide to assist employers when employing apprentices.
The sign-up is when you and your Australian Apprentice sign the Training Contract.
Sarina Russo organises this for a mutually agreed time at your workplace.
As outlined in the National Code of Good Practice, the Training Contract sets out the terms and conditions of an Australian Apprenticeship.
Sarina Russo will need to verify the identity of the apprentice/trainee. Please remind them to bring one form of photo identification or two forms of other identification (Birth Certificate, Medicare card, etc), as well as their Unique Student Identifier (USI) number.
myGovID is your Digital Identity and makes it easier to prove who you are online - it's like the 100-point ID check but on your smart device. Use your myGovID to access participating government online services.
myGovID is required for you to log into the Apprenticeships Data Management System (ADMS). This is the platform supports the delivery of Australian Apprenticeship programs and where you can lodge and manage wage subsidy applications.
Before you start
To set up your myGovID, you need:
- a smart device
- an email address and
- to be 15 years or older.
Detailed instructions on how to create your myGovID account are available online at mygovid.gov.au. In short, the steps for creating your myGovID are:
- Get started - download the myGovID app on your smart device and follow the prompts
- Enter your details - open the myGovID app on your smart device and follow the prompts. You need to enter your full name, date of birth and email address.
- Choose your identity strength - The government online service you want to access determines the minimum identity strength you require. To access ADMS you will need to have Standard identity strength or higher.
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 apprentice, 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.
Sarina Russo will undertake progress contacts with you and with your apprentices or trainees throughout their Australian Apprenticeship.
As the employer, please advise your Sarina Russo consultant on your preferred choice of contact – phone, email or SMS.
Regular contact identifies any barriers or impediments which may impact your apprentice successfully completing their training
To best manage your registration, Sarina Russo created an Employer Portal containing:
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- The status of an Apprentice’s registration
- The ability to run various reports on Claims received and their due date
- Information and reporting functions for Apprentices employed within your company.
To gain access to the Employer Portal call 1300 178 776 or email apprenticeships@sarinarusso.com.au
To view our Privacy Policy, please click here.
The Apprenticeships Data Management System (ADMS) is the platform that supports the delivery of Australian Apprenticeships, including where you will submit incentive and subsidy claims. For more information, refer to the Accessing ADMS Fact Sheet.
Incentives
The Priority Wage Subsidy is available to employers of both new and recommencing apprentices and trainees that are undertaking a Certificate III or higher qualification in a Priority Occupation and where the Training Contract has a start date of 01/07/2022 or later.
To be able to claim the Priority Wage Subsidy, employers will need report wages to the Australian Taxation Office through the Single Touch Payroll system. Click here for more information.
Employers will also need to lodge claims for payment through the Apprenticeship Data Management System (ADMS). Click here for more information.
For Training Contracts with a start date of 01/07/2022 or later, the Hiring Incentive is available for employers of new worker apprentices and trainees who are undertaking a Certificate II qualification in any occupation, or a Certificate III or higher-level qualification which is not on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.
Additional support to Australian Apprentices with a disability is available through, wage subsidies, tutorial, interpreter and mentor services. For more information click here. Call 1300 178 776 for an application form.
Help is also available through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) which provides financial aid to eligible people so they access additional work-related modification, equipment, help and services.
Employers can assess the EAF through Disability Employment Services or Workforce Australia organisations. For more information click here.
For apprenticeships and traineeships with a Training Contract start date up to 30/06/2022, incentive eligibility will fall under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive Program (the AAIP).
Where the Training Contract start date is up to 30/06/2022, incentive eligibility will be determined by the AAIP:
- The incentives under the AAIP will remain available while the apprenticeship or traineeship is still active with the same employer; and
- Where an apprenticeship or traineeship which was eligible under the AAIP is suspended or cancelled after 01/07/2022 and it resumed with the same employer within 6 months, then it will remain eligible under the AAIP.
There are several factors that determine eligibility for incentives under the AAIP. They include: previously completed qualifications, existing worker status, employment type and other factors. Sarina Russo Apprenticeships will provide written eligibility advice after the Training Contract has been signed.
A list of the potential incentives that are available under the AAIP can be found here.
Some incentives will be paid through the Single Touch Payroll system. Click here for more information.
Further information on incentives under the AAIP, such as Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements, Support for Adult Australian Apprentices, the Additional Identified Skills Shortage payment, can be found here.
Targeted Support Programs
When entering into a Training Contract, SRA will initiate a Know U assessment with your apprentice or trainee. The assessment will help to identify Australian Apprentices who may be at high-risk of not completing their Australian Apprenticeship.
Where this is identified, we may offer additional support through ongoing mentoring.
As situations change over time your apprentice may be requested at times through their Australian Apprenticeship to complete another Know U assessment.
Sometimes things don’t work out, your business is growing or your Australian Apprentice completes their qualification and you may find yourself looking to employ another Australian Apprentice.
Our Gateway Services is a free recruitment service for employers seeking to recruit apprentices and trainees. You can list your vacancies and we can match your specific requirements to our candidate pool. To register your details and lodge vacancies, please click here.
Click here to find out more information.
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 you receive the highest quality service. A full copy is available at 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 employment, please visit www.fairwork.gov.au/
The Fair Work Ombudsmen’s Guide to taking an on Australian Apprentice outlines terms and conditions of employment. Click here.
Click here for more information.
State and Territory Requirements and 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.
In the ACT the STA is Skills Canberra. Skills Canberra is responsible and accountable for the provision of strategic advice and overall management of vocational education and training (VET) in the ACT. More information about the role of Skills Canberra can be found here.
Colour Vision Testing – Electrical Apprentices
A colour vision test report is required to approve training contracts in the following qualifications (and equivalent updates of these qualifications):
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning
- Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
Colour vision testing is required on the basis of industry and licensing advice and recommendation. The colour vision test results should be on an Optometrist letterhead.
For further information please contact your local Sarina Russo Apprenticeship ACT Field Officer on 1300 178 776.
ACT Wage Advice Service
The ACT Wage Advice Service provides employers and Australian Apprentices (both current and prospective) with free advice about industrial arrangements including modern awards, employment agreements, competency-based wage progression and national employment standards.
Contact the ACT Wage Advice Service by telephone on 1300 278 681 or by email to apprenticeship@canberrabusiness.com.
AVETARS
The ACT Vocational Education and Training Administration Records System (AVETARS) is the online application used by Skills Canberra to manage vocational education and training initiatives in the ACT
Australian apprentices and employers have access to AVETARS. Here you initiate training contract variations and cancellations
To log into AVETARS https://www.avetars.act.gov.au/
For more information, access and user guides please visit the Skills Canberra website here.
Out of Trade Register
Australian Apprentices whose training contracts have been cancelled or are in jeopardy may be assisted in finding employment by agreeing to go on the Register. Prospective employers can be provided with the contact details of an Australian Apprentice, once registered.
For more details or to register please email Skills Canberra skills@act.gov.au.
Training Fund Authority
The ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority (the Authority) is the statutory body responsible for providing funding for the training of eligible workers in the ACT building and construction industry.
More information 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 NSW the STA is Training Services NSW. Training Services NSW provides 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. More information and how to contact training Services NSW can be found here.
Payroll Tax rebate
All wages (including superannuation, allowances and fringe benefits) paid to apprentices and trainees are liable for payroll tax.
However, you can claim a payroll tax rebate on wages paid to approved apprentices and only new entrant trainees
The rebate can only be claimed on wages paid to apprentices/trainees that are approved by Training Services NSW under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001. Different eligibility rules apply to apprentices and trainees.
More information is available here.
Worker Insurance Premiums – Apprentice Incentive Scheme
Under this scheme, if you employ an apprentice, you’re entitled to a premium reduction based on the wages paid to your apprentice.
To be eligible for the reduction you must:
- Have a valid workers compensation policy
- Have entered into a Training Services NSW approved contract with the apprentice. The apprentice must be identified in the training contract.
icare will calculate the apprentice incentive amount based on details you provide in your wages declaration forms.
More information is available at https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/employers/premiums/ways-to-lower-your-premiums/ and here.
Is your apprentice or trainee under 18?
Training and supervising an apprentice/trainee who is under 18 years of age comes with
significant requirements and duty of care responsibilities.
A duty of care is an additional requirement to employer obligations found in the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001, the National Training Contract and the NSW Training Plan.
More Information is available here.
Apprentices Placement Service for Apprentices (CAPS)
The Continuing Apprentices Placement Service is a free matching service provided by Training Services NSW. This service matches apprentices who have recently lost their job because of the economic downturn with employers looking to recruit people who have already commenced training and are keen to complete their trade qualification.
For more information and to register 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. More information and how they can apply can be found here.
Your Australian Apprentice may also be available for travel concessions and car registration discounts. They have been provided with this information by Sarina Russo Apprenticeships
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.
WorkCover premium savings for employers hiring apprentices
WorkCover Queensland are supporting the Queensland Government’s plan to encourage business to hire more apprentices, by offering employers a discount on their premium if they employ apprentices.
From 1 July 2017 Workcover Queensland implemented an ‘apprentice discount’ which will offer savings to employers who employ apprentices by removing apprentice wages from their premium calculation. Wages are a major factor in an employer’s premium calculation, so removing wages via the apprentice discount will result in a cheaper premium.
More information is available here.
Apprentice and trainee rebate for payroll tax
If your apprentice and trainee wages are exempt from payroll tax, you can also claim a payroll tax rebate that reduces your payroll tax amount for the particular liability. For more information click here.
Back to Work Program
The Back to Work program is designed to give businesses the confidence to employ Queenslanders who have experienced a period of unemployment. Support payments are available to eligible employers who hire a previously unemployed Queenslander who has experienced a minimum period of unemployment directly prior to commencing work with them.
The program is available throughout regional Queensland and in areas of South East Queensland (SEQ) experiencing significant labour market challenges.
More information and how to apply can be found 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.
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.
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 Department of Innovation and Skills. 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
https://www.skills.sa.gov.au/business
Travel and Accommodation Allowance
The Travel and Accommodation Allowance supports rural and regional businesses by helping to cover some of the costs associated with hiring an apprentice.
Many modern awards require employers to reimburse apprentices for all costs associated with attending off-the-job training.
Even if it’s not specified in the award, responsible employers will ensure that their apprentice is fully supported and is not out of pocket as a result of having to travel to attend off-the-job training.
You may be able for partial reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs if your Australian Apprentice must travel more than 150km from their home to training. The apprentice must reside in South Australia’s rural regions.
For further information and to apply click here.
Workcover – Apprentice Incentive
The apprentice incentive is available to all employers registered with ReturnToWorkSA who employ an eligible person, as well as self-insured employers. The incentive aims to assist skills creation in South Australia by encouraging employers to take on apprentices.
More information is available at www.rtwsa.com/media/documents/Your-work-injury-insurance-booklet.pdf.
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.
Phone: 1800 655 846
Email: enquiries@skills.tas.gov.au
Payroll Tax rebate Scheme
A rebate will be available for a period of two (2) years from the date the training contract comes into effect for apprentices and/or trainees employed in all industries between 1 January 2021 and 30 June 2024.
The maximum rebate payable will be the payroll tax levied for wages paid to eligible employees, or the total payroll tax paid, whichever is less.
Further information is available here.
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. More information and how they can apply 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 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 to visit the website click here.
Workcover
If you hire any apprentices and/or trainees – even if you only hire one – you must register for WorkCover insurance, regardless of the size of your rateable remuneration.
Some apprentice and trainee remuneration (including superannuation) is exempt from WorkCover insurance so you need to be aware of the restrictions and qualifications that apply.
Remuneration is exempt if the apprentice or trainee:
- is employed by you under a current training agreement as part of an approved training scheme,
- hasn’t worked for you under any previous training agreement, but if they have – the time between any two agreements must be less than 3 months,
- did not work for you, outside of a training agreement, during the two year period before the start of the current training agreement, but if they did;
- any full-time employment must be no more than 3 months in total,
- any part-time or continuous casual employment must be for no more than 12 months in total.
- More information is available here.
Payroll Tax Exemption – Re-employed apprentices or trainees
Wages are exempt if they are paid or payable to a re-employed apprentice or trainee:
- Whose initial employment stopped prior to the completion of their approved training contract.
- Who has been employed by another employer on or after 1 July 2016.
- Who is continuing with the same type of approved training contract.
An approved training contract is one that complies with the requirements of an approved training scheme. The Victorian Registrations and Qualifications Authority website contains a list of approved training schemes.
The exemption applies irrespective of the length of time between the employment of the apprentice or trainee with the previous employer and the current employer, and only applies for the duration of the apprenticeship or traineeship.
More information is available here and here.
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 employ an eligible apprentice, an officer will contact you them provide their details. If your Australian Apprentice has not yet been contacted or have lost their details call 1300 311 820 or email apprenticeship.support@education.vic.gov.au
For more information click here.
Victorian Apprenticeship Field Services
On behalf of the VRQA, the Victorian Apprenticeship Field Services (VAFS) checks in with apprentices and trainees to see how their apprenticeship or traineeship is progressing.
If your Australian Apprentice is due for a check-in, they’ll receive a text message from VAFS with a number to call and link to follow.
A VAFS check-in takes around 1 minute. It involves your apprentice answering a few simple questions about the workplace and their employer. The Apprentice can complete the check-in over the phone or online, it’s up to them.
More information is available here.
Trade apprentice registration discount
If you’re a trade apprentice using your car for work, you can get 50% off your next registration renewal. For eligibility and to apply click here.
Trade Papers
Trade papers are a certificate awarded an apprentice they complete their apprenticeship. They’re used to let employers and customers know that they’ve completed all parts of the apprenticeship and can apply those skills on the job.
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.
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.
It is important to note that the STA has strict timeframes in relation to notify a change of circumstance in relation to employment of apprentices and trainees. Please contact within 48 hours of any cancellation, termination or suspension of a Training Contract
Jobs and Skills WA Employer Incentive
For apprentices or trainees who commence after 1 July 2019 your business may be potentially eligible for up to $8500 additional financial support. The incentive is administered by the Department of Training and Workforce Development. More information is available here.
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.
For information on how to access WAAMS and training materials please visit the DTWD website at https://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/waams or here.
Travel and accommodation allowance (TAA)
Your apprentice may be eligible for 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.
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- 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.
Application forms are available here.
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