Apprentice and trainee rights and responsibilities

What you need to know

As an apprentice or trainee in Victoria, you should get the opportunity to learn all the skills related to your chosen trade or occupation through on-the-job training.

You should expect to be trained by a suitably qualified or experienced person, and to have the chance to learn how to use the tools and equipment commonly used in your trade or occupation.

You should expect to get hands-on experience in a wide range of relevant tasks, covering all the competencies set out in your training plan.

In return, you will be expected to:

  • attend and work in a professional and courteous manner, while respecting the rights of others at work
  • take care of your employer's property and resources, and treat employer information as confidential
  • make all reasonable efforts to achieve the competencies in your training plan, and complete all the required assessments
  • attend training sessions or supervised workplace activities, and take advantage of learning opportunities
  • maintain a training record book.

The video below will help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

​​

Rights and responsibilities checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you are receiving your entitlements and meeting your responsibilities as an apprentice or trainee.

If you agree with every checklist item, your apprenticeship or traineeship is likely to be progressing well.

If you disagree with a checklist item or you are unsure, you can ask for advice from your training organisation or Apprenticeship Network provider, or contact us.

To download a copy of this checklist, see:

1. Training contract

▢  Within 3 months of commencing the training contract, I was enrolled with a registered training organisation, like a TAFE or trade school.

2. Training plan

▢  ​I have signed a training plan that my employer and training organisation agreed to.

▢  I have my own copy of my training plan.

▢  My training plan says what training I will receive and when (this can be on-the-job, off-the-job or a combination).

3. Workplace supervision

▢  I am supervised by a qualified and, or experienced staff member with relevant knowledge and skills.

▢  My supervisor(s) checks my progress against the training plan.

▢  My level of supervision suits my own skills and knowledge (I am not asked to do things by myself that are dangerous or that I don't understand).

4. Workplace facilities and equipment

▢  The facilities and equipment available to me are suitable for my work, and are helping me to get the skills I need to complete my apprenticeship or traineeship.

5. Work tasks

▢ I am asked to do work that helps me to develop the skills I need to work towards completing my qualification.

6. Competency based completion

▢ I know that I can progress through my apprenticeship or traineeship at a rate that reflects my skills development, rather than to a specific timeframe.​

For more information, see:

7. Industrial awards

▢ I receive the correct pay.

The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information about apprentice and trainee pay rates and conditions. For more information, see: