How does the sign–up process work?

Signing up an apprentice or trainee is simple. Here’s a summary of what’s involved:

1. Find a person you want to hire as an apprentice or trainee (this could be a new person or an existing employee)
2. Contact ABL Apprenticeships Centre on 1300 652 236 and ask to speak with a consultant about signing up an apprentice or trainee
3. An ABL Apprenticeships Centre field consultant will come to your workplace and complete the necessary paper work.

If you would like to know more, you will find further details below:

1. Talk me through the process



2. Walk me through the process

About the signup process

If you are interested in taking on an apprentice or trainee, you’ll need to ‘sign them up’ to a Training Contract.

What is a Training Contract?

A Training Contract is a standard agreement between the employer and the apprentice/trainee which is lodged with the relevant State or Territory Training Authority. It outlines the parties’ various rights and responsibilities and nominates the preferred registered training provider (RTO). Every apprentice or trainee needs to sign a Training Contract in order to start their apprenticeship/traineeship and their training with the RTO.

Probationary period

Most Training Contracts (for four year trade apprenticeships) automatically have a 3 month probationary period built into them. Traineeships also have a probationary period built in, depending on the full-time term of the traineeship (generally from one to two years – so the probationary period is from 1 to 3 months). It is therefore better for both the apprentice and employer to sign the Training Contract as soon as possible.

Either party may terminate the contract for any reason during the probationary period. Failing to sign an apprentice/trainee up within 3 months creates delays in their training and may affect your eligibility to claim government incentives. (Note: Trainee Apprentices [NSW only] are not subject to a Probationary Period.)

5 simple steps to signing up and employing an apprentice or trainee:

1. Call ABL Apprenticeships Centre on 1300 652 236 and ask for ‘signup’ as soon as you employ an apprentice or trainee
2. An ABL Apprenticeships Centre field consultant calls to arrange an appointment to suit both you and your apprentice/trainee
3. The consultant visits and organises the signup paperwork:

    a. Training Plan Summary
This is later faxed by the consultant to the Registered Training Organisation eg TAFE to let them know that training needs to start.

    b. Signup Form
The Australian Apprenticeship system is explained (including information about incentives, responsibilities and key contacts). The Signup Form is ABL Apprenticeships Centre’s ‘invoice’ to the Federal Government – the signatures to the form verify that all issues listed plus other issues as defined have been discussed with the parties.

    c. Training Contract
This is the official document which is lodged with the Training Authority in your State or Territory for formal approval of the apprenticeship/traineeship. Both you and your employee receive a letter confirming approval from the State Training Authority.

Note: if the apprentice or trainee is under 18, their parent/guardian will also need to sign the Training Contract.

4. ABL Apprenticeships Centre sends out copies of the Training Contract and confirmation letters showing any incentive eligibility to both you and your employee.

5. ABL Apprenticeships Centre will keep you up-to-date regarding your obligations and about any incentives you may be eligible for.

ABL Apprenticeships Centre staff will ensure you receive the claims you may be entitled to,mailing out claim forms to be signed at various stages of the apprenticeship or traineeship. They will also visit or call from time to time throughout the training term – the first of these visits occurs around six months after the apprenticeship or traineeship starts.

ABL Apprenticeships Centre helps employers to simplify and streamline the appointment and administrative management of their apprentices and trainees - and helps ensure that all incentives and allowances are received.

Our services are funded under an Australian Government contract and are provided at no cost to you.