Apprenticeship Office: Fact sheets, forms and documents

The following documents provide general information and assistance.

Roles and responsibilities for the WA apprenticeship system

Useful information and contacts

There is a process to follow should you wish to appeal a decision in relation to a training contract, made by the Department. 

Fact sheet: Appeal a decision

From 5 May 2023, hours worked by part time hour arrangements for apprenticeships and traineeships may be averaged over a four-week period. 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:

• support employers operating across multiple jurisdictions;
• broaden the opportunity for workers who would not otherwise be able to access employment-based training; and
• encourage employee participation in apprenticeships and traineeships and generate employment opportunities.

FAQs: Averaging of hours for part time apprenticeships and traineeships.

Casual workers

Casual workers are not eligible to enter into a training contract for an apprenticeship or traineeship in Western Australia.

Fact sheet: Casual workers — Eligibility for an apprenticeship or traineeship

Apprenticeships and traineeships in WA are delivered under a competency-based training (CBT) system. This means that once an apprentice or trainee is able to demonstrate that they have achieved all the competencies required to successfully complete an apprenticeship or traineeship, their training contract is completed.

Under CBT, completion of a training contract may occur prior to the expiry date of the nominal term.

CBT Wage progression

Apprentice wages usually increase annually, and each time a milestone is reached in the apprenticeship. The Award or Agreement that applies to the business will state whether milestones are:

• time-based – the apprentice moves to the next pay level after they’ve worked for a certain amount of time for example, 12 months; or
• competency-based – the apprentice moves to the next pay level when they’ve achieved certain skills or training requirements.

Apprentices whose Award or Agreement specifies competency-based wage progression, must have their competencies set out in their negotiated training plan, and the successful achievement of these competencies must be agreed to by the registered training organisation (RTO) and the employer before the apprentice can move to the next stage.

Further information about wage progression can be found on the Fair Work website, and in the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Guide to taking on an apprentice.

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.

Fact sheet: Employer eligibility to enter into a training contract

The level of State Government support provided for trainees can vary, depending whether the trainee is regarded as a new entrant or an existing worker.

Fact sheet: Determining existing worker status

Our existing worker status calculator spreadsheet will help you determine the status of your workers. Please note this document contains macros — you will need to download the .zip folder then save the calculator (.xlsm file).

Download the existing worker calculator

If an apprentice or trainee has prior learning and/or experience in the proposed occupation for the apprenticeship or traineeship, this may be recognised through a recognition of prior learning (RPL) process. They can work with their RTO to have this considered and assessed against the required competencies of a qualification.

This may result in the granting of RPL or credit, and a corresponding decrease in the nominal term of an apprenticeship or traineeship.

For more information about RPL and credit transfer, please contact the RTO who has been nominated on the training contract to deliver the apprenticeship or traineeship.

Information on Trade Skills Recognition (TSR) is available here

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.

RTOs are also responsible for developing a complying training plan for an apprenticeship or traineeship, ensuring that a copy is signed by all parties (including a parent or guardian if the apprentice or trainee is under 18 years of age), and that Apprenticeship Office is notified that this has occurred.

When an RTO is no longer able to provide 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.

FAQs: When an RTO is no longer able to provide training

The training plan is used to monitor progress and record competencies that have been achieved during the course of a training contract. The training plan must be negotiated and agreed to by the employer, the apprentice or trainee, the parent/guardian (if the apprentice or trainee is under 18 years of age) and the nominated RTO.

There's also a national training plan template developed by the Australian Apprenticeship Reform Working Group, which can be used to assist training plan development (in WA it is not mandatory for training providers to follow this template).

Training plans for apprenticeships and traineeships: Fact sheet and template

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. It sets out the terms of the apprenticeship or traineeship, which are agreed to by both the employer and the apprentice or trainee, such as:

• the qualification the apprentice or trainee is working towards;
• the nominal term of the apprenticeship or traineeship;
• the number of hours of on and off the job training and employment provided each week; and
• arrangements for on and off the job training.

Once a training contract has been registered by Apprenticeship Office, parties to the contract will be notified and receive a copy of the training contract for their records.

When a qualification is superseded, related training contracts are automatically upgraded to the replacement qualification following the expiration of the applicable transition period.

Information about transition periods can be found on the WA Register of Class A and B qualifications (the Class A/B Register).

New and/or temporary entrants to Australia who have been granted a visa, and who would like to enter into an apprenticeship or traineeship, must check the conditions of their visa with the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs as not all visas support the holder entering into an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Over the period of an apprenticeship or traineeship, it may be necessary to make changes (variations) to the training contract.

Many of these variations can be done directly via the Western Australian Apprenticeship Management System (WAAMS) online client portal, which gives you 24/7 online access to view and/or change and update your training contract with most changes processed and approved immediately.

Variations that can be processed through WAAMS include updates and/or changes to:

• employer or apprentice / trainee details (eg; address, email, phone number etc); 
• the nominated qualification and trade;
• the nominated registered training organisation;
• employment type — for example, changing from full time to part time; and
• a change in employment type or arrangement.

View and manage your training contract 24/7 with the WAAMS online client portal

You can also process the following variation types in WAAMS:

• Extension of the training contract
• Suspension of the training contract
• Termination of the training contract

A training contract will expire if it reaches the nominal term stated on the training contract, and the apprentice or trainee has not completed the required on and off the job training; or the nominated registered training provider has not notified Apprenticeship Office that the apprentice or trainee has successfully completed their training contract.

If the apprentice or trainee and the employer agree that the apprentice or trainee requires more time to complete their training, either party can submit a request to extend the training contract.

Extension of a training contract can be requested via the WA Apprenticeship Management System (WAAMS) online client portal.

Find out more about WAAMS

A training contract may be suspended for a period of time if both the apprentice or trainee and the employer agree. 

Suspension of a training contract ceases the training contract obligations for both the employer and apprentice or trainee for the suspension period. At the conclusion of the suspension period, the training contract will resume.

Prior approval from Apprenticeship Office is required if the period of suspension exceeds a continuous period of 12 months.

Please note that during a period of suspension, any State Government incentive payments an employer is eligible for will be paused, and resume when the suspension is lifted.

Suspension of a training contract can be requested via the WA Apprenticeship Management System (WAAMS) online client portal.

Find out more about WAAMS

A training contract can be terminated in one of the following three ways.

1. During the probation period
   The probation period of a training contract begins on the commencement date of the training contract, and may be between one and three months depending on the nominal duration of the training contract. The training contract can be terminated by the employer or the apprentice/trainee.
2. With the consent of the apprentice or trainee
   Following the expiry of the probation period, a training contract can be terminated when the apprentice or trainee consents.
3. Without the consent of the apprentice or trainee
   If an employer wishes to terminate a training contract, and the apprentice or trainee does not consent to the termination, the employer may contact their nominated Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider for advice and guidance. If the matter remains unresolved, the AASN will refer to Apprenticeship Office for consideration. Apprenticeship Office will make contact with the employer, and the apprentice or trainee, to organise a conciliation meeting.

Termination of a training contract can be requested via the WA Apprenticeship Management System (WAAMS) online client portal.

Find out more about WAAMS

A termination does not prevent an apprentice or trainee entering into a new training contract.

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.

While most variations to the training contract can be done via WAAMS, currently this variation must be processed manually by Apprenticeship Office. 

To request an assignment (transfer), please refer to the fact sheet and complete the form provided here. Apprenticeship Office will review your request, and contact you with further information.

Fact sheet and form: Assignment (transfer) to a new employer

While most variations to the training contract can be done online via WAAMS, currently this variation must be processed manually. Please contact Apprenticeship Office to discuss this further.

Cancellation due to abandonment

A training contract may also be cancelled if the apprentice or trainee is not fulfilling their obligations under the training contract as they have abandoned their employment and/or training.

No application is required from an employer for a training contract to be cancelled on the basis of abandonment. However; the employer must demonstrate to the Department that abandonment has occurred. Information that may support the employer’s claim of apprentice/ trainee abandonment may include, but is not limited to:

• time sheets or other attendance records;
• correspondence and records of contact, if any, from the apprentice;
• evidence of attempts made by the employer to contact the apprentice such as letters, emails, phone calls, text messages, communications sent through social media, or any visits made to the apprentice’s residence; and
• off the job training attendance and progress reports.

An employer may provide evidence that supports the claims of apprentice abandonment to Apprenticeship Office by email.

Fact sheet: Cancellation due to abandonment

For other changes such as updating contract information, extending a probation period, suspension or termination of a training contract — please refer to the Variations to the training contract available via WAAMS 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.

Who can be issued a trade certificate?

A trade certificate can be issued through the following ways.

• completion of an apprenticeship via a WA apprenticeship training contract;
• the Trade Skills Recognition (TSR) process conducted by a registered training provider; or
• an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification recognised in WA as an apprenticeship, achieved in an Australian state or territory outside of WA.

A training contract is considered to be successfully completed when there is agreement from the employer, the registered training organisation (RTO), and the apprentice or trainee that the apprentice has successfully completed all required on and off the job training associated with the apprenticeship. 

The RTO is responsible for reporting the agreed completion date to Apprenticeship Office, within 21 days of that date. This notification can be made via the WA Apprenticeship Management System (WAAMS) online client portal (from the Contracts tab, on the Organisation landing page.

Fact sheet: Completion of a training contract

Issuing the trade certificate

A trade certificate will be issued by the Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development to an eligible individual who has successfully completed a WA apprenticeship qualification through a training contract.

Apprentices who have successfully completed their apprenticeship will be issued a trade certificate by the Department, no application is required.

Fact sheet: Eligibility for a WA trade certificate

In some instances, an individual who has been working in industry may have the necessary skills and competency to be recognised as a tradesperson but has never completed a formal qualification. Trade Skills Recognition (TSR) is available to candidates seeking formal acknowledgement of their trade skills and knowledge through recognition of prior learning (RPL).

In these situations, a registered training organisation (RTO) can issue a qualification through a recognition of prior learning (RPL) process for people who can demonstrate that they meet the competencies required for the qualification.

Eligibility for TSR

Through the TSR process, an individual may be eligible for a WA trade certificate if the following conditions are met, specifically that the qualification is:

• recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF);
• conferred through RPL by an RTO that is approved by the Department as a TSR provider for the particular qualification; and
• listed on the Classification of prescribed vocational education and training qualifications in WA (the Class A/B register) as an apprenticeship; and

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 register.

To apply for TSR, please complete the form below and send it via email to Apprenticeship Office.

Fact sheet and form: Applying for TSR

Approved TSR providers

The Department’s approved TSR providers include RTOs that are:

• contracted by the Department for the delivery and conferral of the apprenticeship qualification(s) being assessed; and
• approved by Trades Recognition Australia to conduct skills assessment for the particular occupation(s) and approved by the Department to access the TSR for those occupations.

List of approved providers for TSR

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 if:

• they have completed a qualification that is recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF);
• the qualification they have completed was conferred in an Australian state or territory other than WA;
• the qualification they have completed is equivalent to a qualification on the Classification of prescribed vocational education and training qualifications in WA (Class A/B register) with the title of apprentice; and
• the qualification has been achieved in an employment-based training arrangement.

In order to undertake an assessment of a trade certificate application where the AQF qualification has been achieved interstate, the applicant will be required to submit a copy of their AQF certificate and academic transcript along with the following application form.

Fact sheet and form: Applying for a WA trade certificate for interstate tradespeople

If the original trade certificate is destroyed, lost or stolen, you can request a copy via the WA Apprenticeship Management System (WAAMS).

You can also request for an extract of your training contract to be sent to you by email via WAAMS.

User guide: Generate a trade certificate digital copy or training contract extract 

When an apprenticeship has been successfully completed in WA, the apprentice receives a trade certificate. Individuals, such as potential employers, can go to the WA Apprenticeship Management System (WAAMS) online client portal and follow the Online Trade Certificate Verification (OTCV) process to verify a trade certificate.

By entering and enter the individual's first and last name, and training contract ID, they will be able to verify that a tradesperson has completed an apprenticeship.

WA tradespeople are automatically included in the OTCV, however they can opt out of this service at any time.

For more information, please refer to the following fact sheet and user guides.

Fact sheet: OTCV process

User guide: How to verify a trade certificate via WAAMS

User guide: How to opt in / out of OTCV

The Department works with Western Australia's education sector, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority and industry, to support the quality delivery of vocational education and training (VET) programs to WA secondary students (VETDSS). These programs include:

• school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs);
• pre-apprenticeships (PAiS) and pre-traineeships in schools; and
• the Aboriginal school-based training program (ASBT).

If you are a VET practitioner or RTO seeking information about VETDSS, please visit the VETDSS for RTOs page of our website.

Go to the VETDSS for RTOs page

Training contracts for students of compulsory school education age

In WA, if a child of compulsory school education age (that is; under the age of 18) wishes to enter into a training contract; their parent/guardian must apply to the Minister of Education for:

• an exemption – if the child wishes to leave school before the end of Year 10, that is will reach the age of 15 years six months more in the year for which an exemption is sought; or
• a Notice of Arrangement – if a child wishes to leave school during Years 11 and 12.

Detailed information about exemptions and Notices of Arrangement, including application forms, can be found on the Department of Education’s website.

Approved exemption forms must be submitted to Apprenticeship Office by an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider, to effect the registration of the training contract.

Fact sheet: Training contract and exemption notices for children of compulsory school education age

SBATs: Minimum hours per week

A school-based apprentice or trainee (SBAT) must complete at least 7.5 hours per week of paid work with the employer who is named on their training contract. The minimum hours requirements apply throughout the full term of the SBAT arrangement, including during school holiday periods.

The hours can be averaged over a six month period however, the minimum hours requirements meant that an SBAT must do at least 195 hours of paid work every six months.

Fact sheet: School-based apprenticeships and traineeships — Minimum hours per week

Guide to Western Australian SBATs

A guide to Western Australian SBATs 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 an SBAT arrangement, including:

• a quick guide outlining the key steps involved in an SBAT from starting out through to completion;
• information on the roles and responsibilities of each of the stakeholders in an SBAT; and
• links for easy access to fact sheets, forms and other information.   

It also offers real life examples that make it easier to understand how SBATs actually work in practice.

View the SBAT guide

Further information

Further information about vocational education and training (VET) options for secondary school students is available on our VETDSS page. 

VET delivered to secondary students