When an apprentice has been scheduled and a block becomes available, a 'call up' letter is emailed to the employer and apprentice.
A reminder text message will be sent prior to the first day of training.
What is in the letter?
The call up letter sent to the employer and the apprentice includes the location, date and time of your employee’s first class.
The letter will also include information about the type of work that can be undertaken on the job to align with the training that will be delivered.
Upon receipt of your call up letter an employer will be asked to "confirm attendance".
Do I need to send my apprentice to training?
The Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 legislates that employers are required to release apprentices for scheduled training. Failure of an apprentice to attend scheduled training places the agreed training plan at risk and jeopardises the ability to complete the training successfully and within the agreed timeframe.
If you believe your apprentice cannot attend the scheduled training, you can make an Application to reschedule training no less than 10 working days prior to the training commencement date.
Please note that continual rescheduling of your apprentices’ training may put the contract at risk of non-completion by the contracted end date. If you aren’t able to take the place offered at call up it’s likely that there will be a delay before a place in an alternative block becomes available.
What do we need to do to prepare for the training?
- Apprentices and their employers should review Student essentials this contains links to the online systems that apprentices use during studies, including instructional videos on how to login and access them.
- Students should ensure that they have advised NMTAFE of their USI and any credits from previous study. The units listed on the letter are the units that are to be delivered so it’s critical we know if any have been completed elsewhere.
- Students should be aware of course specific information such as equipment, dress requirements and textbooks – students may not be permitted to workshops if they do not have the correct equipment
- If apprentices need to travel to campus via air a Travel request will need to be submitted. Students making their way to campus by private car, bus or train, may be able to claim some allowances.
- Payment arrangements will need to be made for Apprentice fees as enrolment is not finalised until payment arrangements have been made. Payment options are detailed on the NMTAFE website.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Attendance at scheduled block sessions
Attendance at all scheduled block sessions is crucial. Block delivery often covers multiple units of varying lengths. Even missing one day of training during the block could result in missed OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) inductions or prerequisite units. This absence may prevent the apprentice from continuing with their block, necessitating rescheduling.
Students with injuries
Students attending off the job training are to be free from injuries that that could hinder their ability to complete standard industry tasks. An apprentice off work due to injury cannot attend off the job training without prior assessment and approval from the Academic Delivery area. A Medical clearance will also be required.
Absentee notification and risk assessment
If your apprentice is absent from training, we will promptly notify you on the next business day. Additionally, if they are at risk of not completing the block due to absence, poor performance, or incomplete work, we will inform you as soon as this becomes apparent.
Competency-based system
Our training operates under a competency-based system. As soon as a student demonstrates competence, they can complete their block. Occasionally, this may lead to early release from training. In such cases, apprentices are always advised to contact their employer for instructions regarding returning to the workplace or completing their workday.