The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office registers and administers training contracts and regulates the apprenticeship system in Western Australia, in accordance with Part 7 of the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 (the Act), the associated Regulations, and the WA Apprenticeship and traineeship policy.
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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.
You can request a WAAMS portal account by contacting Apprenticeship Office.
E: apprenticeshipoffice@dtwd.wa.gov.au
P: 13 19 54
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.
Please contact Apprenticeship Office on 13 19 54 or via email to apprenticeshipoffice@dtwd.wa.gov.au if your query is not covered here.
Appeals on a decision made by the Department
The following fact sheet provides information on the process to appeal a decision made by the Department on a training contract.
Automatic upgrade of superseded qualifications
From 9 June 2017, Western Australia’s Training Records System will automatically upgrade a superseded qualification to its replacement qualification on a training contract following the expiration of the applicable transition period.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:
Casual workers and apprenticeships
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.
Find out more about how the CCPP can benefit you in our frequently asked questions.
Competency-based training
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.
Competency-based wage progression and institutional training
This fact sheet explains the relationship between minimum training and employment requirements for an apprentice or trainee and wage progression.
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.
Eligibility as an employer
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.
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.
Fact sheet: Hospitality or retail?
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.
Recognition of prior learning and credit transfer
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
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.
Please note that the requirements of a ‘complying training plan’ are prescribed under Regulation 43 of the Vocational Education and Training (General) Regulations 2009 (WA).
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
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.
Note: New eligibility requirements for TSR come into effect on 1 January 2019. Full details are provided in the following.
The following documents provide further information.
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:
Please contact Apprenticeship Office on 13 19 54 or via email to apprenticeshipoffice@dtwd.wa.gov.au if your query is not covered here.
Completion of a training contract
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.
You can also:
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.
View the training contract assessment and registration FAQs (updated July 2022)
Training contracts for temporary visa holders
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.
View and manage your training contract 24/7 with the WAAMS online client portal
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.
If your query is not covered here, please contact Apprenticeship Office on 13 19 54 or via email to apprenticeshipoffice@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
Assignment (transfer) to a new employer
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.
Cancellation due to apprentice abandonment
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.
Extension
Suspension
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.
(Also available here in Word version)
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.
Termination
Please view the following fact sheets and/or forms regarding the different termination types for a training contract.
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.
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.
Update personal details in the training contract
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.
For other changes such as extending a probation period, suspension or termination of a training contract, please refer to the Variations to the training contract section.
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:
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.
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).
Note: New eligibility requirements for TSR came into effect on 1 January 2019. Full details are provided in the following fact sheet.
Eligibility for a WA trade certificate
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.
Trade certificate replacement
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.
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:
Here you will find information and resources related to the regulation of apprenticeships and traineeships for WA secondary school students.
For children of compulsory school education age
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.
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).
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:
Please select your role and the subject of your enquiry from the options provided.
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.
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.
Our forms and fact sheets will provide you with more information about training contracts. Take a look at the Employer forms and fact sheets section of our page.
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.
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.
You will need to contact:
Select this option if your enquiry does not relate to any of the subjects listed above.
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.
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.
Our Training contracts forms and fact sheets will provide you with more information relating to training contracts.
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.
You will need to contact:
Select this option if your enquiry does not relate to any of the subjects listed above.
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.
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.
Our Training contracts forms and fact sheets will provide you with more information relating to training contracts.
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.
You will need to contact:
Select this option if your enquiry does not relate to any of the subjects listed above.
Trade skills recognition is available to candidates seeking formal acknowledgement of their trade skills. Take a look at the Information for registered training organisations section.
For further information relating to Travel and accommodation allowances for registered training providers, please email taarto@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
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.
Our range of Training contracts forms and fact sheets will provide you with more information relating to training contracts.
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.
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 contact us via our feedback form or email to apprenticeshipoffice@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
We aim to acknowledge your feedback within two business days and provide you with a response within 15 business days. If your feedback is in relation to a complex matter, it may take longer to resolve. In such cases, we will contact you and update you on how your feedback is progressing. The information provided in your feedback will not be used or disclosed to third parties without your prior consent, unless it is required by law. Please read our Privacy information for more details about how the Department manages information you provide.
You are not required to identify yourself or provide contact details in your feedback. However if you would like a response from us, please specify how you would like to be contacted.
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.
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