Employer - FAQs

Why can’t I find good apprentices? 

There are many reasons why young people today are not attracted to traditional apprenticeships as meaningful career choices, some of these are

1. A poor Perception of Trade areas with regard to Occupational Health and Safety by both students and parents
2. The lack of trade focussed educational facilities
3. Parental and student lack of understanding of the positive career possibilities for a Trade career.

How will ATCG help?

The ATC-G is 100% focussed on providing an accelerated trade program.

The College will provide a senior secondary curriculum that is relevant and links practically to workplace skills.

 How can I be sure I am getting a suitable young person?

The ATC-G students are screened by literacy, numeracy and vocational aptitude assessment prior to being offered a position at the College. Additionally all applicants are interviewed by College staff to determine their commitment and previous displayed interest in their chosen trade area. The College will suggest to applicants who have no practical experience to arrange suitable work experience through their existing school. The subsequent reports from work experience supervisors are considered before students are made an offer of a place the College.

 Do I get a choice?

Yes, wherever possible the ATC will present at least two candidates for your consideration.

Can I trial?

Yes, students are available for workplace assessment prior to the decision to employ is made. Please contact the College for more information on this matter.

If I sign up a school based apprentice from the ATCG, how much does it cost me?

ATC-G students enter into a Registered Training Agreement with an employer and are subject to the normal pay and conditions as any other first year apprentice employed in your business. Students will fall under the jurisdiction of either an existing Enterprise Bargaining Agreement or Industrial Award.

How often does my young person work for me?

Students are scheduled to attend the workplace for an aggregate 10 weeks per year. Generally these are in two week blocks. If the employer requires the apprentice to attend for more hours either on weekends or during semester breaks this would be agreed mutually.

What do I have to do about work cover, super, RDOs?

Your asba is subject to the same industrial conditions to that afforded to a full time apprentice. If a ATC apprentice is scheduled for work on a day that is a RDO for your organisation he/she has been instructed to contact the College for further direction.

Do I have a choice of employment models?

As the employment and paperwork of Apprenticeships can been seen as complex we would encourage you to consider employing through a Group Training company such as G-Force. You may however wish to employ directly.

After graduation does my apprentice need any more training?

After the completion of the ATC curriculum the apprentice will have completed the first two years of trade school and have had a minimum of 20 weeks employment. There will be a further three years of the apprenticeship to complete which will include one year of trade school study.