New $24.5 million support package for WA construction industry
Funding support for employers and apprentices
WA Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery, together with the Construction Training Fund (CTF), have announced a $24.5 million support package to assist the building and construction industry to maintain a skilled workforce during the COVID-19 crisis. The package includes $10 million to provide an immediate, one-off payment of $2,000 to employers of existing apprentices and trainees currently receiving Construction Training Fund (CTF) grant payments.
A new grants scheme worth $9.5 million will be introduced to assist employers to retain their existing apprentices, with payments beginning from 1 June 2020 (backdated from 1 April 2020). The payments will range from $250 per month to $500 per month, per apprentice or trainee, depending on the trades facing the most critical skills shortages in the industry.
- Employers currently receiving CTF grants for apprentices and trainees in employment will be eligible for the new grant scheme. Support for apprentices and trainees
- Apprentices and trainees employed in the industry can claim up to $1,000 to support the costs of undertaking short courses to assist them in upskilling.
Employers and employees can find out more information at ctf.wa.gov.au
"The construction industry plays an important role in Western Australia and employs thousands of people across a range of trades." the Premier said. "It's important we look after our local businesses, apprentices and trainees — this funding will go towards making sure jobs are maintained and our construction workforce is ready to assist with the post COVID-19 economic recovery."
Important notice: WA Training Awards 2020
In response to COVID-19
The Western Australian Training Awards (WATA) is the State’s premier awards program recognising excellence in vocational education and training (VET) and the outstanding achievements of our VET students, apprentices and trainees, practitioners and training providers, organisations and employers.
The Department places the highest priority on the safety and health of our students, training providers and extended communities. Unfortunately, the measures we have adopted in response to COVID-19, together with the rapidly evolving situation in Western Australia, have led to a decision to cancel the 2020 WATA program. While we realise this will be disappointing for those who were applying, our decision aligns with the State Government’s position at this time.
Australian Award direct-entry categories are still open and can be entered by visiting the Australian Training Awards website.
We apologise for any inconvenience, and thank you for your understanding and continued support. We would like to particularly acknowledge our WATA sponsors and stakeholders for their support of the VET sector in WA. At times like this the importance of a skilled workforce becomes very clear — both now to support Western Australians during this crisis, and in brighter times ahead when VET will have an essential role helping rebuild the economy. We look forward to working together to make 2021 a great year for the WA Training Awards.
Should you require further information please contact the WA Training Awards team at WATrainingAwards@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
Support available for individuals and jobseekers impacted by COVID-19
Jobs and Skills WA provides a one-stop-shop for useful information
The Commonwealth Government has announced new measures to support individuals and jobseekers who have been impacted by COVID-19.
Support is also available from the WA Jobs and Skills Centres, and in your local community.
The Jobs and Skills WA website now provides a page of useful information and links to help access these measures. It includes information for students, apprentices, trainees, individuals and families regarding accessing financial support, as well as information about workplace entitlements and obligations.
View the COVID-19 Support for individuals and jobseekers page
Changes to operations at WA TAFE colleges
Effective from Monday 30 March, in response to COVID-19
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery has announced changes to operations at all WA TAFE colleges, in response to COVID-19.
Key points include the following.
- From Monday 30 March, until the end of term 1 on April 9, there will be a temporary pause in face to face delivery for most courses.
- In term 2 TAFEs will move to a blended style of delivery to include online learning and interactive technologies, and face to face training where necessary and where adequate social distancing measures can be implemented.
- Face to face training in essential service courses such as enrolled nursing and aged care will continue. Arrangements for these courses will be modified to ensure safety.
- Colleges will stay open and essential student services including student resource areas will remain available with social distancing measures applying.
- Students are being emailed and/or sent a text message informing them how they will be affected by the changes.
The new approach will ensure safety for TAFE students and staff as well as providing skills that will be needed during the pandemic and in the critical recovery time afterwards.
These are challenging times for all and we would like to thank our WA TAFE colleges, lecturers and trainers, students and employers for your understanding and support as we work through this together.
For full details of these changes, please read the Minister's statement
You can also view answers to frequently asked questions here
State and Commonwealth Government supports WA businesses
COVID-19 Financial stimulus package
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has announced a stimulus package of $114 million, in measures to support Western Australia’s small and medium businesses.
Changes to payroll tax
- Payroll tax paying businesses with a payroll between $1 and $4 million will receive a one-off grant of $17,500
- Additional payroll tax relief for small businesses will be fast-tracked, with the payroll tax threshold increasing to $1 million from 1 July 2020
- Small and medium sized businesses affected by COVID-19 can now apply to defer payment of their 2019—20 payroll tax until 21 July 2020
For further details on these changes to payroll tax, please visit the Jobs and Skills WA website
WA small business assistance service
The State Government has also set up a dedicated small business assistance service through the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC). Businesses can access support services and assistance regarding these financial stimulus measures, as well as other advice – online and over the phone – to help manage the impact of COVID-19. There is also a range of useful information and resources on the SBDC website.
P: 133 140 (8.30 am to 4.30 pm weekdays)
E: info@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au
Commonwealth Government support for business
The Commonwealth Government has also announced a $189 billion stimulus package to support the Australian economy through the challenges of COVID-19. The package provides measures to support and assist small and medium businesses to manage cash flow challenges and retain their employees, including apprentices and trainees.
Two key measures have been announced;
- Boosting Cash Flow for Employers; and
- wage subsidies for apprentices and trainees.
Boosting Cash Flow for Employers
The Boosting Cash Flow for Employers measure will provide up to $100,000 back to small and medium-sized business, with a minimum payment of $20,000 for eligible businesses. The payment will provide temporary cash flow support to small and medium businesses that employ staff. The payment will be tax free.
Wage subsidies for apprentices and trainees
Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the wages paid to an apprentice or trainee during the nine months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. Employers will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $21,000 per eligible apprentice or trainee ($7,000 per quarter).
For further details on these measures, and other financial support available for WA businesses, please visit the Jobs and Skills WA website
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) information update
Updated measures as of Wednesday 18 March 2020
Some new measures have been put in place to help manage COVID-19 in Australia.
- Non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people are banned by the Australian Government from 18 March 2020.
- The Australian Government announced Level 4 travel advice for Australia: do not travel. All Australians are advised to reconsider their need for overseas travel at this time.
These measures are in addition to requirements in place from 16 March:
- anyone arriving in Australia from overseas will be required to self-isolate for
14 days; and - non-essential outdoor gatherings for more than 500 people are banned.
What does this mean for TAFE staff, students and visitors?
TAFE colleges are open and students can attend classes. All students, staff, parents/carers, contractors, visitors and volunteers should continue to follow health advice for self isolation.
- Anyone who has returned from overseas cannot attend TAFE for 14 days.
- Anyone who has been informed by public health authorities that they have been in close contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19), they must also isolate themselves for 14 days after the date of last contact with the confirmed case.
If this is you, please notify your TAFE college immediately to advise you will be away for the isolation period, and confirm the date/s and location/s of your travel.
What does ‘isolation’ involve?
- Please refer to the Australian Government Department of Health isolation guidelines for further information about isolation.
- For further information or advice, please contact your TAFE college directly.
Gatherings
From 16 March 2020, the medical advice preventing non-essential, organised gatherings of 500 people or more going ahead will be enforced. This is for indoor and outdoor events.
From 18 March 2020 non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people are banned by the Australian Government.
For TAFE colleges, this means smaller gatherings, such as graduations and forums will probably be cancelled. You will be notified by your TAFE college of events that have been cancelled.
Social distancing
Everyone should practise ‘social distancing’. This means you should keep a safe distance between you and others in public places, and you should not shake hands or hug when greeting others.
Minimising personal risk
The risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission in Australia remains low, however the situation is evolving. Western Australians should remain alert, but not be alarmed.
- Follow good hygiene practices such as washing your hands with soap, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact (maintain a distance of at least one metre) with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms.
If you have cold or flu-like symptoms and/or are concerned that you may have been in contact with some who has, or if you become unwell and think you may have symptoms of Coronavirus, seek medical attention. Tell your doctor about your symptoms, travel history and any recent close contact with someone who has or may have Coronavirus.
Training sector pandemic incident response to COVID-19
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Executive and TAFE Managing Directors are working together to manage our Pandemic Incident Response Plan, with a key focus on minimising risk to students and staff. It’s important that we take precautions wherever possible to control the spread of the virus.
We continue to liaise closely with lead agencies in Western Australia, including the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and Department of Health, to ensure our approach is consistent with current information and advice.
Further information and assistance
- The Australian Government Department of Health website has up-to-date healthcare and medical information.
- The Health Direct website has frequently asked questions, and a symptom checker.
- For details regarding travel restrictions and international travel, visit the Home Affairs website. There is also information available on the Smart Traveller website.
- COVID Clinics are now open — visit the HealthyWA website for details.
- For free advice and assistance, call the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
New look for Apprenticeship Office website launched today!
Fresh design and more customer-friendly information
The Department’s Apprenticeship Office registers and administers training contracts and regulates the apprenticeship system for apprenticeships and traineeships in Western Australia.
Each month, the Apprenticeship Office page of this website receives up to five thousand visits, and provides information and resources such as fact sheets and forms to assist with employers, apprentices and trainees, registered training organisations (RTOs) and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers with the management of the training contract.
In response to feedback from clients and website users, a new design and structure has been developed for the Apprenticeship Office website page. Information is now organised so that it’s easier to access, with new one-click links to help find what you need more quickly.
Over the next few months, we are undertaking a full review of all fact sheets and forms to ensure we are providing the information and support needed for our customers and stakeholders across WA.
Take a look at the new page at dtwd.wa.gov.au/apprenticeship-office
Changes to WA Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers
WA AASN providers updated as of 1 February
Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers are contracted through the Commonwealth Government to deliver apprenticeship support services throughout Australia, and are responsible for the sign up of the training contract.
Following a competitive tender process, the Commonwealth Government announced the successful AASN providers to operate from 1 February 2020, as follows.
- Apprenticeship Support Australia, Busy at Work and MEGT will deliver services to Perth and surrounds.
- Apprenticeship Support Australia and Busy at Work will deliver services to regional Western Australia.
The Commonwealth Government is working with employers, apprentices and trainees to manage the transition process. Should you have any queries about this change, please phone the Australian Apprenticeships helpline on 13 38 73.
For further information on the role and responsibilities of an AASN provider, you can view refer to the Department’s Roles and responsibilities fact sheet
New guide for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships now available
Helpful information for all WA SBAT users
The Department has released a new guide to Western Australian school-based apprenticeships and traineeships. The guide was developed collaboratively with stakeholders and is now available on our website.
The new guide provides detailed information on the important aspects involved in a school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBAT) arrangement. It provides help and support for schools, registered training organisations (RTOs), employers, students, parents and other stakeholders operating in Western Australia’s apprenticeship and traineeship system.
It includes:
- a quick guide which highlights the key steps involved in an SBAT from starting out through to completion;
- real life examples to make it easier to understand how SBATs actually work in practice;
- information on the different roles and responsibilities of each of the stakeholders, including the importance of effective communication and collaboration; and
- website links for easy access to fact sheets, forms and other relevant information.
The guide is available as an online resource and can also be downloaded and printed.
Updated fact sheet for SBAT minimum hours
The Department of Training and Workforce Development has recently updated the fact sheet, School-based apprenticeships and traineeships: Minimum hours per week.
The Department’s policy position on minimum hours of paid work has not changed. The revised fact sheet has been developed to provide more detailed information to help clarify the existing minimum hour requirements of paid work for school-based apprenticeship and traineeship arrangements, along with some examples to show how the requirements could be achieved.
The updated fact sheet is available on the Apprenticeship Office website, under Training contract forms and fact sheets.
New fact sheet and calculator tool to determine employment status for traineeship training contracts
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office recognises stakeholders' need for guidance on the determination of a person's employment status (ie; new entrant or existing worker) when entering into a training contract.
A new fact sheet and calculator tool have been developed to provide information to stakeholders, and to assist with the calculation of the relevant periods. They are both available on the Apprenticeship Office website, under 'Other publications'.
Updated fact sheet/form: Suspension of a training contract for serious misconduct
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office has recently undertaken a review of the process for an employer to suspend a training contract due to apprentice’s serious misconduct. The associated fact sheet and form has been reviewed and updated – please ensure you are using the current version of the form when submitting requests to Apprenticeship Office.
New FAQs – What happens when an RTO no longer provides training?
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office is committed to providing guidance to stakeholders when a registered training organisation (RTO) no longer provides training. To assist stakeholders to determine options available for apprentices and employers when confronted with this scenario, a new fact sheet outlining a serious of frequently asked questions and answers has been developed.
New and updated forms, fact sheets and FAQs
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office has updated a number of publications.
- Form – Notice to terminate a training contract
- Form – Notice to assign a training contract to a new employer
- Form – Notice to vary a training contract
- Fact sheet – Termination of a training contract without apprentice consent
- Fact sheet – Extending a training contract
- Fact sheet – Assignment of a training contract to a new employer
- Fact sheet – Training contract registration and assessment – Frequently asked questions
- Fact sheet – Training plans
- National training plan template
- Case study – Completion of a training contract
In addition, the following new fact sheets have been developed and published.
- Fact sheet – Employer’s eligibility to enter into a training contract
- Fact sheet – Cancellation of a training contract due to apprentice abandonment
- Fact sheet – School based apprenticeships and traineeships: Minimum hours per week
These documents are all available from the Training contract forms and fact sheets section of the Apprenticeship Office website at dtwd.wa.gov.au/apprenticeship-office.
New minimum part time hours for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs)
Following extensive stakeholder consultation, the Minister for Education and Training has endorsed the setting of the minimum part time hours per week of paid work and supervised training for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs).
The setting is identified on the Public Register of Prescribed VET Qualifications. It states:
- a school-based training contract comprises of:
- a minimum of 7.5 hours per week in paid work over the duration of the traineeship or apprenticeship, which can be averaged over six month periods; and
- training which may be supervised on the job, delivered off the job, or as some combination of on and off the job.
Please note that the setting identifies the minimum hours of paid work and allows employers and SBATs to negotiate longer hours of work, if required.
A new fact sheet School-based apprenticeships and traineeships: Minimum hours per week, is available on the Apprenticeship Office website under Training contract forms and factsheets.
Vocational Education and Training (General) Regulations amendments: New fact sheets
Following extensive consultation with stakeholders and with their support, on 29 December 2017 amendments to the Vocational Education and Training (General) Regulations 2009 were gazetted. These amendments will come into effect on 9 February 2018 and training contracts registered by the Department’s Apprenticeship Office on or after this date will be subject to the new requirements.
The changes simplify the timeframe for training providers to develop training plans for apprentices and trainees, clarify training plan requirements and ensure that schools are central to and can support school-based apprenticeship and traineeship (SBAT) arrangements. Overall, the changes will support quality training plans being developed in a timely manner that meet stakeholder needs.
Amendments include:
- changing the timeframe to sign a training plan to six weeks from the date that the parties are notified of the registration of the training contract. In most cases, this will give RTOs more time;
- making all parties aware of their obligations by clarifying that a new training plan is to be signed when there is a new training provider or employer. This will ensure that the same quality applies to the training arrangement after an assignment or variation;
- requiring training providers to notify the Department when a training plan has been signed so that the Department can ensure that training plans are being developed in the early phase of the training;
- requiring school endorsement of the training plan for all SBAT arrangements to ensure that schools are aware of and are supportive of the training arrangement. Completion and submission of the Education, Training and Employment Schedule or ETES form will no longer be required; and
- clarifying that home educated students will no longer be able to access SBAT, but will instead have access to a broader range of apprenticeships or traineeships under a part-time arrangement.
Further information on the amendments is provided in the fact sheets Changes to training plans and School-based apprenticeships and traineeships and changes to training plan requirements which are available on the Apprenticeship Office website under Training contract forms and fact sheets.
Updated forms and fact sheets relating to training plans, assignment and variations and the training plan template will be published on the Apprenticeship Office website on 9 February 2018. Please ensure you are using the current version of the forms when submitting requests to the Apprenticeship Office.
Temporary closure of Apprenticeship Office during Christmas and new year period
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office will be closed from 4.30 pm on Friday 22 December 2017 to 8.30 am on Tuesday 2 January 2018 Western Standard Time.
The 13 19 54 information hotline will not operate during the closure period. Please email your enquiry to ApprenticeshipOffice@dtwd.wa.gov.au and we will respond to your enquiry after the Apprenticeship Office reopens in the new year.
Training contracts can continue to be lodged during the closure. They will be held until assessment and processing resumes in the new year. Similarly, any emails, variation, extension or termination requests received in the Apprenticeship Office email boxes during the closure will be regarded as being received on the date of receipt. They will be actioned after the Apprenticeship Office reopens in the new year.
From everyone at Apprenticeship Office, we wish you a very enjoyable Christmas and a happy new year.
Changes to payroll tax exemption arrangements from 1 December 2017
On 30 November 2017 the Treasurer announced changes to be made to the payroll tax exemption arrangement for existing employees entering into traineeship training contracts. The Government will introduce a Bill into the Parliament in 2018 to amend the Pay-roll Tax Assessment Act 2002, with the changes to apply retrospectively to 1 December 2017.
Details of the proposed changes can be found at Office of State Revenue Circular 10. Any queries relating to the administration of the payroll tax exemption should be made to the Office of State Revenue on 08 9262 1300 or by web enquiry at osr.wa.gov.au/PayrollEnquiry.
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office will continue to assess and make decisions on requests relating to existing worker traineeships in accordance with the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 and relevant Regulations.
Please note, under the proposed transitional arrangements for existing worker traineeships registered or lodged with the Department before 1 December 2017, the duration of the payroll tax exemption cannot be extended by suspending or varying the training contract. The transitional arrangements will only allow the payroll tax exemption to apply until the expected completion date of these training contracts as at 1 December 2017.
The Apprenticeship Office may also assess a worker’s employment status (ie; existing worker or new entrant) as part of its registration assessment or compliance assessment following the registration of a training contract. Guidelines on how to determine a worker’s employment status will be published in due course.
Fair Work Ombudsman guides for apprentices and employers
The Fair Work Ombudsman has developed guides for apprentices and employers that set out essential information about workplace rights and responsibilities, to assist them in understanding their rights and obligations.
You can download the following documents from the Fair Work Ombudsman's website at fairwork.gov.au.
New fact sheet: Casual workers and apprenticeships
The Department of Training and Workforce Development has developed a fact sheet on the eligibility of casual workers entering into a Western Australian apprenticeship training contract.
Training plan quality improvement consultation sessions
Working together to identify challenges and find solutions.
The Department of Training and Workforce Development Apprenticeship Office is committed to improving the quality and integrity of the apprenticeship system in Western Australia. The training plan is an important document because it sets out how the apprentice will receive quality structured training, both on and off the job.
The Department would like to work with stakeholders to examine some of the challenges faced by training providers in meeting the training plan requirements, and to identify strategies that may assist in overcoming these challenges.
With this in mind, the Apprenticeship Office has prepared a Training plan quality improvement strategy discussion paper. Training providers are invited to review this discussion paper and attend one of the following consultation sessions.
WhenWednesday 16 August 2017 |
WhereTraining Room 3, Ground Floor |
To register your attendance, please email apprenticeshipoffice.regulation@dtwd.wa.gov.au with your name and contact details and kindly state which session you wish to attend. This map gives you directions to find Prospect Place, and details of available free parking.
If you are unable to attend one of these sessions, you may provide written feedback on the discussion paper to us via email. Alternatively you may wish to join in to these sessions online – this attendee information sheet has full details of how to access that option.
Automatic upgrade of superseded qualifications for WA apprenticeships and traineeships
The Department of Training and Workforce Development sought feedback from stakeholders in October 2016 regarding a proposal to automate the upgrade of superseded qualifications where the transition period has ended.
Traditionally, RTOs have had to notify the Department every time a superseded qualification in a training contract needs to be upgraded to a replacement qualification. The Department recognises the administrative burden this practice places on RTOs.
The proposed automation to the upgrade of superseded qualifications where the transition period has ended provides the following benefit to stakeholders:
- removal of the need to notify the Department for a qualification upgrade; and
- instant update of the qualification information in a training contract record.
The Department has received overall positive feedback to this proposal and made necessary amendments to ensure the change meets stakeholder needs. It is planned that the change to TRS will be deployed in the evening on Thursday 8 June 2017.
For detailed information about this change, please refer to this frequently asked questions document.
If you have any questions regarding the above change, please call 13 19 54 or email ApprenticeshipOffice.Projects@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
New fact sheet - Training contracts and holders of temporary work (Skilled) (subclass 457)
The Department of Training and Workforce Development has developed, in conjunction with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and the Commonwealth Government Department of Education and Training, a fact sheet on the eligibility of Temporary work (skilled) visa (subclass 457) holders entering into a Western Australian apprenticeship or traineeship training contract.
The fact sheet, Training contracts and holders of temporary work (Skilled) (subclass 457), is available on our website under Training contract forms and fact sheets.
Workshop: training contract completion requirements
The Apprenticeship Office is committed to providing ongoing education to stakeholders with regards to our processes and compliance requirements. We will be offering a series of information sessions and workshops in the future and the details will be published on our website as they become available.
The following workshop focuses on training contract completion requirements, as prescribed in Regulation 52 of the VET Regulations:
Regulation 52 training contract completion requirements
When: 26 October 2016 2–3pm
Where: Ground Floor, Optima Centre Building B, 16 Parkland Road Osborne Park
This workshop is aimed at staff within registered training organisations who are responsible for advising the Apprenticeship Office of the training contract completion.
Apprenticeship Office's first anniversary
It is now over one year since the Apprenticeship Office was established on 1 July 2015. Below are some statistics from the actions during our first year of operation to 30 June 2016.
- Number of training contracts registered: 25 282
- Number of lodged contracts that had undergone further assessment: 9 063
- Number of training contracts where registration was refused: 98
- Average time taken to register a training contract: 6.5 days
- Number of variations to training contracts assessed and processed: 17 308
- Number of callers assisted: 22 578
- Number of contacts with employers/apprentices providing advice about training plans: 12 038
- Number of overdue training plans recovered: 4 760
- Number of training plans audited: 461
The Apprenticeship Office would like to thank our stakeholders for your support and cooperation over the last year. We look forward to continuing to work with you to improve the efficiency of the administration of training contracts and the quality and integrity of the apprenticeship system in Western Australia.