Australian Apprenticeship Support Network
All apprentices must be registered with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN), these organisations provide guidance and advice from pre-commencement to completion of your apprenticeship.
They will:
- help you find an employer and registered training organisation to complete your training.
- provide a training contract for you and your employer to sign.
- assess you for a Trade Support Loan and other payments.
- provide advice and support to you during your apprenticeship.
- You must contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (Apprenticeship Network) provider. They will:
- help you find an employer and registered training organisation to complete your training.
- provide a training contract for you and your employer to sign.
- assess you for a Trade Support Loan and other payments.
- provide advice and support to you during your apprenticeship.
How much will I earn?
As an apprentice, you start earning a wage straight away.
Your wages are set by industry awards that outline pay rates, conditions, rights and entitlements.
Your industry award may include competency-based wage progression which means you can move up to a higher wage as you achieve skills.
You can reach higher pay once you, your employer and training provider agree you have achieved new competencies.
To find out which award covers you, check your training contract or visit the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have previous skills, knowledge or experience that has been formally recognised in the area you’re wanting to do your training, you may have an opportunity to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
This is something your RTO can help you with once you’re enrolled in your course of choice.
Safety in the workplace
SafeWork SA can tell you everything you need to know about safe working environments and your rights and responsibilities as an apprentice in the workplace.
Support is available if you injure yourself at work or experience bullying or harassment.
For more information about keeping safe and healthy at work, call SafeWork SA on 1300 365 255 or visit SafeWork SA.
Attendance, reporting and monitoring
As an apprentice or trainee, you have a range of obligations under a training contract including:
- attend work and training at the agreed times
- observe the conditions of employment, and follow any lawful and reasonable direction from the employer
- work towards achieving the qualification
- undertake any training and assessment required.
Making changes to your training or employment
If you wish to make changes to your training contract or change employers, there are a number of steps that need to be taken to complete these processes.
Get in touch with your AASN who will be able to provide the assistance you need.
Copies of trade certificates
If you’ve lost your trade certificate or certificate of competency, you can request a replacement. They will be mailed out to you within 3-4 weeks.
Former apprentices
You can apply for a replacement trade certificate. You’ll need to outline the reason that your original certificate has been lost or destroyed.
Former trainees
You can apply for an extract of your training contract record.
General questions or concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about your training contract, or the training you’re getting from your employer or your training provider, the South Australian Skills Commission may be able to help.
The Skills Commission can provide confidential advice and support, and they can speak for you or negotiate on your behalf to help resolve problems.