Our regulatory campaign investigations target specific qualifications and occupations. A campaign investigation might follow on from a risk assessment, or it could be in response to intelligence we receive from a particular industry.
Campaign investigations identify and address non-compliance with regulatory requirements. They also help apprentices, trainees and their employers understand their rights and obligations under a training contract.
We work with industry stakeholders, as well as state and federal government agencies, to design and implement campaign investigations.
Commercial cookery apprenticeships campaign
A number of employers were investigated to check that commercial cookery apprentices were being properly supervised and trained.
All apprentices were enrolled in the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent qualifications, and employed in the industry.
The investigation uncovered a number of problems, including:
- poor supervision of apprentices
- inappropriate work tasks or facilities
- apprentices not being released or paid to attend formal training.
As a result of the campaign, a number of training contracts were cancelled and employer approvals revoked.
Those affected were able to continue their apprenticeships with different approved employers.
Automotive apprenticeships campaign
We conducted a campaign investigation in the automotive industry. A number of employers were investigated to check that apprentices were being properly supervised and trained.
It was not only important to the automotive apprentices that they gain the required skills and knowledge. It was also critical for public safety. Drivers must be able to trust that the automotive mechanics maintaining their vehicles are properly trained and qualified.
The apprentices were all employed in the automotive industry and enrolled in the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
The investigation identified several issues, including:
- inappropriate supervision of apprentices, including supervisors who were not appropriately experienced or qualified, and apprentices who were left on their own some or all of the time
- inappropriate work tasks or facilities, resulting in apprentices not gaining the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in the automotive industry
- limited evidence of training, including a lack of contact with the registered training organisation
- apprentices not being released to attend formal training, or not being paid to attend training.
As a result of the investigation:
- 99 training contracts were cancelled (including 39 voluntary cancellations)
- 8 employer approvals were revoked.
Those affected were able to enter into new training contracts under improved arrangements.