Information for agencies

Information for public sector agencies interested in employing school based trainees.

The School Based Traineeship Program is a great opportunity for your agency to employ innovative, skilful and enthusiastic young people who are keen to gain workplace experience while completing Years 11 and 12.

Students taking part in the program combine their studies with paid part time employment, joining you for 2 days a week over an 18 month period.

Employing trainees helps you tap into new ideas and fresh talent and helps your agency and the sector make progress towards employment targets for young people.

If your agency would like to find out more about the school based traineeship, email the School Based Traineeship Program team or telephone 6552 8764.

Who can apply

Any WA public sector organisation can employ a school based trainee.

To be part of the program, your agency must nominate a supervisor for the trainee who can:

  • provide trainees with regular and meaningful tasks
  • support trainees to complete units for the Certificate II in Government
  • manage the trainee's performance, leave and timesheets in consultation with the employing agency’s human resource team.

As the employer, your agency will fund trainees’ salary and training costs.

What a traineeship involves

Find out how the program works and what you need to provide.

See How to request and select a school based trainee for information about the recruitment process.

Select an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network

Select a registered training organisation

  • Agencies must select a registered training organisation (RTO) to deliver the traineeship and the Certificate II in Government qualification (PSP20122). To do this you can seek advice from your AASN and review information from the Department of Training and Workforce Development.
  • Email your agency’s selection of RTO to youth@psc.wa.gov.au.
  • Agencies must organise a session with the RTO within 6 weeks of the trainee's commencement date to prepare a training plan to help them complete the Certificate II in Government. 
    • This session can be done at the same time as signing the training contract with the AASN
    • The training plan will be developed in consultation with your nominated supervisor and the trainee to allow the trainee to get started on the units of competence.
  • The RTO will visit your agency throughout the traineeship and provide support and advice to the trainee and supervisor.
  • The RTO will assess the trainee through observation, theory based discussions and evidence based work they provide, as well as feedback from the supervisor.
  • There are 2 RTO providers delivering the Certificate II in Government:

First day and induction

  • Provide trainees with all relevant details ahead of their first day in February, including start time and location.
  • Trainees can complete your agency’s induction program.

Roster and leave

  • The trainee's school must agree to release them into your agency on Thursdays and Fridays on the understanding they will maintain their school subjects. This is confirmed as part of the student’s application form. 
  • Students attend school for the remaining 3 days, completing Years 11 and 12.
  • Trainees will work during the school holidays unless you have approved leave.

Trainee supervisor

  • You must nominate a staff member to be a trainee supervisor to support and advise the trainee. Your trainee will require one on one support.
  • The supervisor is responsible for:
    • being a daily point of contact for the trainee
    • organising meaningful tasks
    • providing training
    • working with the trainee, their parents or guardians and VET coordinator, and your agency’s human resource team, to manage any performance management queries and issues, as per your agency’s internal processes. 

A supervisor who is not in a management role may be a practical choice as they have more time to guide the trainee in their daily tasks. It also provides a professional development opportunity for that employee to develop leadership skills.

Wages

  • It is your agency’s responsibility to pay the trainee’s wage for the duration of the 18 month fixed term contract.
  • Terms and conditions of employment should be defined by the award and/or industrial agreement applicable to your agency.
  • Most trainees will be covered by the relevant Public Sector CSA Agreement and be paid under the level 1 General Division Salary as per Schedule 2 – General Division Salaries in accordance with the trainee's age.

For more information, contact Government Sector Labour Relations.

Job tasks

School based traineeships are competency based, therefore tasks completed by trainees are used as evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding, and to meet the requirements of the Certificate II in Government.

Job tasks must be aligned with the units of competency within the qualification.

Training

The training requirements are a part of the training plan. Training can include:

  • explaining the task and why it needs to be completed
  • demonstrating the steps to complete the task and getting the trainee to document the process
  • practicing with the trainee the process to complete the task correctly under supervision
  • completing the task required unsupervised once the trainee feels comfortable doing so on their own
  • providing positive feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Your agency can also arrange additional off the job training on their rostered days at work. Training can be online to reduce the need to travel and seek parent/guardian permission.

Traineeship completion and further pathways

We encourage you to discuss future employment opportunities with your trainee to help them decide their next steps.

For more information or to discuss trainee retention options email youth@psc.wa.gov.au or telephone 6552 8764.

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