Scheduling
Each campus has a scheduling department responsible for assigning new apprentices to the correct groups and advising employers about the training dates for their apprentices.
Apprentices cannot be scheduled for training unless NMTAFE has received the Commencement Advice. Whilst trainees are not scheduled in the same way, enrolment into a unit can only occur once the contract has been received and processed. After scheduling your will receive a Call up for your apprentice 6-8 weeks prior to the start of training.
Apprentice training is primarily available in the following way.
Day release – where the student attends for one day per week for the full semester. Employers should note that students wishing to attend Day release will need to start training at the start of a new Semester (i.e. February and July). Contracts commencing part way through the semester will need to wait until the new semester to commence if Day release is selected.
Block release – where the apprentice attends for a one to two-week block once or twice per semester.
Not all trades will have all options available, and this may be due to lecturing staff availability or the way that the content is delivered.
Some areas may have alternative delivery methods available, but these will generally be for courses with a lower practical component. Most traineeships will be delivered via one of the following methods.
On the job/work-based – traineeships are generally delivered using a work-based methodology with training provided on the job and assessment taking place by an NMT assessor attending the workplace. Support materials are available to the student via online platforms.
Online – all training and assessment is undertaken online. Some areas will require students to attend collaborate sessions in the online platform.
Combined – this refers to delivery via a range of the above, in most instances this will refer to traineeships where there is a requirement for some face to face/campus attendance.
It is important to note that students undertaking work-based type training will require allocated time in the workplace to complete their work.
See Our qualifications and study modes and Apprenticeships and traineeships for further information.
Apprentice fees for training
Employers are not obliged to pay for apprentice fees and charges in advance. However, some Industrial Agreements (Awards) require employers to reimburse their apprentice upon receipt of satisfactory progress.
Employers who are constitutional corporations (such as a Pty Ltd) operate under the National system of Modern Awards and these awards include a clause stating, 'employers must reimburse any costs associated with their apprentice training fees upon receipt of satisfactory progress'. It is at the employer’s discretion whether they elect to pay apprentices fees up front, or reimburse the apprentice, if required in their relevant Industrial Agreement(opens in a new tab) .
Employers operating under an Award that doesn’t specify fee arrangements can still opt to make payment for their apprentices training by completing an Invoice Authorisation Form.
Apprentices/Employers who fail to take up a valid fee payment option cannot attend training.
Absences
In accordance with statutory requirements, North Metropolitan TAFE is required to notify an employer when an apprentice fails to attend scheduled training or confirm with an employer any absence of an apprentice due to:
- Early completion of work
- Employer advised illness or other leave from the workplace.
This notification will be sent electronically the next business day.
If lecturers are concerned about your apprentice’s aptitude or attitude at training, we endeavour to let you know as soon as concerns arise.
If you have any queries in relation to apprentice attendance, please speak to your apprentice’s Portfolio Director.
Return to work
Your apprentice may be returned to work if they do not attend training with the appropriate PPE or tools and equipment. Similarly, if students fail to make payment of their fees or take up a payment arrangement, they will be unable to continue training. From time to time, students will complete their training early and may be returned to work until the next unit of study is commenced within the block or the next block attendance is required.
Workers' compensation and fitness for work
In accordance with the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981, apprentices are classed as workers for the purposes of Workers Compensation including paid workdays spent off the job training.
For more information on Cover for Workers, please refer to Workers - Workcover WA(opens in a new tab) .
Students should see Safety, health and security for information about safety and security on campus.
Students attending off the job training must remain free from injuries that that could hinder their ability to complete standard industry tasks. Any apprentice off work due to injury is unable to attend off the job training without prior assessment and approval from the Academic Delivery area.
Travel to training
The Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD) assists apprentices/trainees with travel and accommodation costs related to the completion of their off-the-job training component via a Travel and Accommodation Allowance (TAA).
The minimum round-trip distance an apprentice/trainee must travel from their residential address to the closest training venue able to deliver the off the job training is:
- 71 kilometres or more for travel allowance.
- 150 kilometres or more for accommodation allowance; and
- 1100 kilometres or more for airfare travel. (Air travel must be booked by the RTO to be eligible)
See the Travel for apprentices and trainees for more information, relevant forms and links.