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The Western Australian Apprenticeship Management System (WAAMS) online client portal delivers significant benefits including 24/7 online access to view and manage training contracts, and greater flexibility to manage your personal details and/or those of your organisation.
For most types of training contract changes, WAAMS offers online submission of the request (either individually or in bulk), replacing the requirement to submit forms by email and resulting in much faster response times.
The Jobs and Skills WA Employer Incentive provides financial assistance of up to $8.5k to WA businesses who employ an apprentice or new entrant trainee and have lodged the training contract on or after 1 July 2019.
For full details, please visit the Jobs and Skills WA website.
Here you will find general information about apprenticeships and traineeships in relation to guidelines and processes that apply in WA. You can also refer to the WA Apprenticeship and traineeship policy for further information about the apprenticeship and traineeship system in WA.
From 9 June 2017, Western Australia’s Training Records System will automatically upgrade a superseded qualification to its replacement qualification on a training contract following the expiration of the applicable transition period.
Averaging of hours for part time apprenticeships and traineeships
From 5 May 2023, part time hour arrangements for apprenticeships and traineeships may be averaged over four-week periods. Averaging allows the total hours of work and training undertaken by an apprentice or trainee to be spread over four-week periods to meet the minimum weekly hour requirement.
This arrangement will:
support employers operating across multiple jurisdictions;
broaden the opportunity for workers who would not otherwise be able to access employment based training; and
encourage employee participation in apprenticeships and traineeships and generate employment opportunities.
Casual workers are not eligible to enter into a training contract for an apprenticeship or traineeship. Please read the fact sheet for further information.
In response to a request from the civil construction industry, training in specified civil construction qualifications in Western Australia were changed from a traineeship to an apprenticeship on 3 September 2021 under a pilot program that aims to increase skills and employment outcomes for individuals and build workforce capacity for WA employers.
The Civil Construction Pilot Program (CCPP) has been developed to determine whether training under an apprenticeship pathway is more suited to meeting the training needs of the civil construction industry. The CCPP commenced on 3 September 2021, and concludes on 31 October 2025. The program will cover a wage gap created by the transition, ensuring employers and apprentices are not disadvantaged by the transition to apprenticeships.
A wage subsidy of up to $14,000 will be provided to employers who employ junior apprentices (under 21)
Wage gap funding will be available for 50 direct employment mature age civil construction apprenticeships
The CTF has increased its base apprenticeship support grant for employers from $8,000 to $10,000
Find out more about how the CCPP can benefit you in our frequently asked questions.
Apprenticeships and traineeships are delivered in Western Australia under a competency-based training system. This fact sheet explains how competency-based training relates to the training contract.
Determining existing worker status (includes calculator)
The level of State Government support provided for trainees can vary, depending on whether the trainee is regarded as a new entrant or an existing worker. This fact sheet explains the guidelines for determine existing worker status for traineeship training contracts. The calculator (Microsoft Excel) can be used to help determine a trainee's status.
Under a training contract, the employer and the apprentice/trainee must fulfil certain obligations to each other. This means that the employer and the apprentice/trainee cannot be the same person. Additionally, certain employment arrangements are not eligible for a training contract.
Hospitality or retail — which traineeship is right?
Choosing a qualification that aligns with the job role is important, because a trainee must have exposure to the relevant industry, and receive targeted training in an environment that aligns with the outcomes and requirements of that qualification. The information in this fact sheet may be useful to determine whether a retail or hospitality traineeship is a match for the work that the trainee will be doing.
Information for registered training organisations (RTOs)
Parties to a training contract must nominate a registered training organisation (RTO) to deliver training and assessment for the national qualification specified in the training contract. The following information may be useful to an RTO.
If an apprentice or trainee has prior learning and/or experience, this may be recognised. This fact sheet explains how RPL and credit transfer works, and how to go about seeking it.
The training plan is used to monitor progress and record achieved competencies during the course of a training contract and must be negotiated and agreed to by the employer, the apprentice or trainee, and the registered training organisation. Further information is provided in the following fact sheet.
A national training plan template has been developed by the Australian Apprenticeship Reform Working Group and can be used to assist training plan development. In Western Australia it is not mandatory for training providers to follow this template.
Trade skills recognition (TSR) is available to candidates seeking formal acknowledgement of their trade skills and knowledge through recognition of prior learning.
TSR applies to all Class A qualifications or Class B qualifications with training type of 'apprentice' with the condition that the qualification can only be obtained by fulfilling the obligations of an apprentice under a training contract as stipulated on the Public Register of Prescribed Vocational Education and Training Qualifications.
To notify of an individual’s eligibility for a trade certificate, an RTO may submit an application form for a trade skills recognition trade certificate.
What to do when an RTO no longer provides training
During the course of a training contract, the nominated RTO may no longer provide training. In these circumstances, it's important for the employer and apprentice to know their options. These frequently asked questions can provide assistance.
A training contract is a legally binding agreement between the employer and the apprentice or trainee. In signing the training contract, both parties are bound by certain obligations expressed in the contract.
The training contract sets out the terms of the apprenticeship or traineeship, which are agreed to by both the employer and the apprentice or trainee, such as:
the qualification the apprentice or trainee is working towards;
the nominal term of the apprenticeship or traineeship;
the number of hours in training and employment provided each week; and
The documents listed below explain the process registered training organisations are required to follow when completing a training contract. Following the expiry of the probation period, a training contract can be terminated when the apprentice or trainee consents to the termination.
If you wish to request for a termination after the probation period, please use the Notice to terminate a training contract form.
read the Training contract completion and notification requirementsFAQs (currently under review).
Obligations under a training contract
A training contract is a legally binding agreement between employer and apprentice or trainee. In signing the contract, all parties are bound by certain obligations in the contract and legislation.
These FAQs provide general information about the assessment and registration of training contracts for apprentices and trainees in Western Australia; including guidelines for employers.
This fact sheet outlines some general requirements regarding Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) and Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) holders wanting to enter into an apprenticeship or traineeship training contract in Western Australia.
Over the period of an apprenticeship or traineeship, it may be necessary to make changes (variations) to the training contract. The following fact sheets and forms provide information about the types of changes available.
A training contract entered into between an apprentice or trainee and an employer may be transferred (assigned) from one employer to another, provided that the current employer, the prospective employer and the apprentice or trainee agree. Further information is provided in the fact sheet, included with the form.
A training contract may be cancelled if an employer is not able to train an apprentice adequately or the apprentice is not fulfilling their obligations under the contract, due to the apprentice abandoning their training contract.
A training contract may be extended if both the apprentice or trainee and the employer agree. Extension notices must be received by Apprenticeship Office before the expiry date of the training contract.
A training contract may be suspended for a period of time if both the apprentice or trainee and the employer agree. Prior approval from Apprenticeship Office is required if the period of suspension exceeds a continuous period of 12 months.
Suspension of a training contract due to serious misconduct
A training contract may be suspended by the employer due to alleged serious misconduct by the apprentice or trainee. More information is available in the fact sheet that's included with the form.
Without apprentice consent — There is a process to be followed if an employer wishes to terminate a training contract and the apprentice or trainee does not consent to the termination. You may contact your nominated Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider for advice and guidance.
For other variations such as a change to the qualification or trade, the nominated training provider, or the employment type or arrangements, please use the following form. A fact sheet is included with the form, to provide further information about these variation types.
Updating personal or employer details on your training contract
It is important that all details in your training contract are kept up to date. If you move address, change phone number or get a new email address, make sure you notify Apprenticeship Office. The best way to do this is via the WAAMS client portal, which gives you 24/7 online access to view and/or change and update your training contract and most changes can be processed and approved immediately.
Alternatively, you can download a form from the list below, and send it in to Apprenticeship Office. Your request will be processed within 14 days.
Update employer details in the training contract
If you wish to update employer details, such as address or contact information, it must be requested in writing. Further information is provided in the fact sheet, included with the form.
If an apprentice or trainee and/or their guardian (if applicable) wishes to update their personal details such as name, address or contact information, it must be requested in writing. Further information is provided in the fact sheet, included with the form.
A trade certificate is issued by the Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development when an individual has successfully completed a Class A or B qualification.
This can be through either:
completion of an apprenticeship via a WA apprenticeship training contract;
the trade skills recognition process conducted by a registered provider; or
an AQF qualification recognised in WA as an apprenticeship, that you achieved in an Australian state or territory outside of WA.
Information, fact sheets and forms relating to trade certificates are provided below. If your enquiry is not covered here, please contact us on 13 19 54 or via email to tradecertificate@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
1663651108
Information and forms (trade certificates)
Applying for a WA trade certificate: Interstate tradespersons
An individual who is a qualified tradesperson in an Australian state or territory other than Western Australia may be eligible for a WA trade certificate.
Applying for a WA trade certificate: Trade skills recognition
Trade skills recognition (TSR) is available to candidates seeking formal acknowledgement of their trade skills and knowledge through recognition of prior learning.
TSR applies to all Class A qualifications or Class B qualifications with training type of 'apprentice' with the condition that the qualification can only be obtained by fulfilling the obligations of an apprentice under a training contract as stipulated on the Public Register of Prescribed Vocational Education and Training Qualifications.
To notify of an individual’s eligibility for a trade certificate, an RTO may submit an application form for a trade skills recognition trade certificate (see fact sheet below).
A trade certificate may be issued by the Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development (the Department) to an individual who has achieved an apprenticeship qualification, if they meet eligibility requirements.
When an apprenticeship has been successfully completed in Western Australia, the apprentice receives a trade certificate. Individuals, such as potential employers, can go to the WAAMS online client portal at waamsportal.dtwd.wa.gov.au and enter the individual's first and last name and training contract ID to confirm that a tradesperson has completed an apprenticeship. Tradespeople are automatically included in the OCTV, however they can opt out of this service at any time. For more information, refer to the following fact sheet and user guides.
A trade certificate is issued by the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development when an individual has successfully completed a qualification, either through an apprenticeship training contract or through the Trade Skills Recognition (TSR) process. If the original trade certificate is destroyed, lost or stolen, a replacement may be issued.
You can also request a digital copy of your trade certificate or an extract of your training contract to be sent to you via the WAAMS portal. The following user guide steps you through the process for this.
Apprenticeships / traineeships for secondary school students
The Department works with the education sector, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority and industry to support quality vocational education and training (VET) programs delivered to Western Australian secondary students (VETDSS). These programs include:
school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBAT);
pre-apprenticeships (PAiS) and pre-traineeships in schools; and
the Aboriginal school-based training program (ASBT).
Here you will find information and resources related to the regulation of apprenticeships and traineeships for WA secondary school students.
In WA, additional requirements may need to be met if a child of the compulsory school eduation age wishes to enter into a training contract. This fact sheet provides guidance and outlines general requirements with an overview of the process.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships: Minimum hours per week
Following extensive stakeholder consultation, in January 2018 the Minister for Education and Training endorsed the setting of the minimum part time hours per week of paid work and supervised training for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs).
Guide to Western Australian school-based apprenticeships and traineeships
A new guide to Western Australian school-based apprenticeships and traineeships has been developed to support schools, registered training organisations, employers, students, parents and other stakeholders operating in the WA apprenticeship and traineeship system.
The guide provides detailed information on the key aspects involved in a school-based apprenticeship and traineeship (SBAT) arrangement, including:
a quick guide outlining the key steps involved in an SBAT from starting out through to completion;
real life examples that make it easier to understand how SBATs actually work in practice;
information on the roles and responsibilities of each of the stakeholders in an SBAT; and
links for easy access to fact sheets, forms and other information.
If you have a query that has not been covered by the information provided here, please call us on 13 19 54 or submit an enquiry.
1583196501
Submit an enquiry
Please select your role and the subject of your enquiry from the options provided.
Select your role
Employer
Apprentice/Trainee
Parent/Guardian
Training provider
AASN
Other
What is your enquiry about?
Finding or starting an apprentice/trainee
Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers are contracted by the Australian Government to deliver support services which include providing advice and assistance to employers who want to attract and recruit apprentices. Visit their website to find out more.
Incentives and allowances
Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers are contracted by the Australian Government to administer the Australian Apprenticeship incentives program. Visit their website to find a provider in your region.
For information relating to Travel and accommodation allowances, please email TAA@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
The registered training organisation is responsible for negotiating a successful completion date between the RTO and parties to the training contract. Take a look at our Training contract forms and fact sheets to find out more.
Change of employer details
An employer can update the employer details on a training contract by completing and submitting to Apprenticeship Office, the Notice to update employer details form. This can be found in the Employer forms and fact sheets section of our web page.
Select this option if your enquiry does not relate to any of the subjects listed above.
Starting an apprenticeship/traineeship
Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers are contracted by the Australian Government to deliver support services for apprentices and trainees. They can provide individualised screening, testing, streaming and matching services to help you select the apprenticeship, occupation or training pathway that is most suited to you. Visit their website to find a provider in your region.
Incentives and allowances
Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers are contracted by the Australian Government to administer the Australian Apprenticeship incentives program. Visit their website to find a provider in your region.
For information relating to Travel and accommodation allowances, please email TAA@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
The registered training organisation is responsible for negotiating a successful completion date between the apprentice, RTO and parties to the training contract. Take a look at our Training contract forms and fact sheets to find out more.
Select this option if your enquiry does not relate to any of the subjects listed above.
Starting an apprenticeship/traineeship
Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers are contracted by the Australian Government to deliver support services for apprentices and trainees. They can provide individualised screening, testing, streaming and matching services to help you select the apprenticeship, occupation or training pathway that is most suited to you. Visit their website to find a provider in your region.
Incentives and allowances
Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers are contracted by the Australian Government to administer the Australian Apprenticeship incentives program. Visit their website to find a provider in your region.
For information relating to Travel and accommodation allowances, please email TAA@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
The registered training organisation is responsible for negotiating a successful completion date between the apprentice, RTO and parties to the training contract. Take a look at our Training contract forms and fact sheets to find out more.
For further information relating to Travel and accommodation allowances for registered training providers, please email taarto@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
Training plans
The training plan is used to monitor progress and record achieved competencies during the course of a training contract and must be negotiated and agreed to by the employer, apprentice or trainee and the registered training provider. Find out more about training plans in the Information for registered training organisations section.
The registered training organisation is responsible for negotiating a successful completion date between the apprentice, RTO and parties to the training contract. Take a look at our Training contract forms and fact sheets to find out more.
Other
Select this option if your enquiry does not relate to any of the subjects listed above.
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1583196957
Apprenticeship Office feedback form
The Apprenticeship Office values your feedback and is committed to using this to improve our services and investigate any potential issues or concerns. If you have a compliment, complaint or suggestion, please provide it here.