As an electrical contractor, how do you ensure your electrical apprentice is properly trained over the duration of their apprenticeship? Training electrical apprentices is challenging and it’s important to make sure that relevant processes are followed - guaranteeing that your apprentice is qualified upon completion of their apprenticeship.
Here are six steps you should know when training your apprentice:
1. Signup process
Firstly, you will need to select an Australian Apprentice Support Network (AASN) provider. They will arrange the signup, including the relevant contracts.
When signing up, you’ll be asked to choose the registered training organisation (RTO) that you want your apprentice to go to. At CET, we offer both day and block release and the ability to accommodate changes to the training schedule to suit your operational needs.
We have been training electrical apprentices for over 25 years in WA and currently train over 50% of all the apprentices in this State. As industry’s TAFE College, you can be confident that you’ve made the right decision in choosing CET for your apprentice(s) to complete their training.
2. Training Contracts
The training contracts should outline the expectations and requirements of all parties. The agreement is between the apprentice electrician, you as the employer, and the Department of Training & Workforce Developments’ Apprenticeship Office. It’s crucial that you understand your responsibilities, especially in relation to payment and termination of the contract. For more information on contracts please contact the Australian Apprenticeships Support Network provider you’ve chosen, or contact NECA Legal.
3. Training Plans
Once the contract has been signed, the training plans need to be agreed upon by the electrical apprentice, the employer, and CET. This provides the “off the job” training and monitors “on the job” training. It takes the form of a live document that can be changed by mutual agreement to suit the requirement of any of the parties involved.
4. Electrical Training Licence
Both the apprentice and employer must apply for an Electrical Training Licence. More information and forms can be found on the Building and Energy website.
5. During the Apprenticeship
During an apprentice’s training, 88% of the time should be spent on tools. At CET, we are currently using eProfiling, which allows for training to be recorded and verified by both the employer and electrician apprentice. If an apprentice is lacking in an area, we will let the employer know so that you can work with them to improve those skills. It’s also vital to monitor the apprentice’s card submissions as these are used as evidence for electrical licensing purposes. We will also let you know if the apprentice is falling behind in this respect.
6. Finalising the Apprenticeship
Once the apprentice has reached their final units with CET, we will need to conduct a capstone check consisting of a minimum 12 hours revision which is conducted over two days, followed by the capstone assessment itself which is conducted over two days.
As the employer, you will need to request a capstone check in writing or via email. This is to verify you’re happy that the apprentice is ready for a capstone assessment. Revision books will then be given to the electrical apprentice, along with a letter advising them what is required. We recommend that apprentices prepare by attending our LEP Revision Days (fortnightly at Jandakot and monthly at Joondalup), to practice in any areas they have concerns in.
Once the apprentice completes their capstone assessment, paperwork will be sent to both you and the apprentice, including the completion date for the apprenticeship. The Apprenticeship Office will send the apprentice their Trade Certificate, and CET will issue their Certificate III Electrotechnology.
The newly minted electrician can now go to Building and Energy and apply for their Electrical Workers license.
If an apprentice fails, then CET provides remedial capstone classes to assist them on where they went wrong and give some additional guidance every month.
Next Steps
Get in touch with us if you have anything you wish to ask on training apprentices, apprenticeship courses for your apprentice, or anything else you may want to know on the subject.