Topline Carpentry banned from employing apprentices and trainees

Victoria’s apprenticeship regulator, the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), has banned Topline Carpentry South East Pty Ltd from employing apprentices and trainees.

As reported by WorkSafe Victoria, the company was sentenced in the Ringwood Magistrates' Court last week after being found guilty of 8 charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

VRQA Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Kaplan said that Victorian authorities work together to tackle mistreatment of apprentices and trainees.

‘Employers are on notice that mistreatment of apprentices and trainees is not just wrong – it’s illegal.’

‘They should also know that all government regulators that come into contact with apprentices and trainees share information. If there’s action taken by one regulator, don’t think that’s the end of the matter.’

‘In this case, WorkSafe Victoria acted to secure convictions and fines for Topline Carpentry. Now the VRQA has acted to ensure that Topline cannot employ apprentices and trainees.’

Mr Kaplan drew attention to the commitment by 7 government regulators to unprecedented levels of collaboration. The agencies are:

  • Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
  • WorkSafe Victoria
  • Energy Safe Victoria
  • Wage Inspectorate Victoria
  • Victorian Building Authority
  • Labour Hire Authority
  • Fair Work Ombudsman.

Apprentices and trainees – the VRQA can help

Are you an apprentice or trainee with concerns about your employer? For example, are you:

  • unsupervised
  • prevented from attending training at your registered training organisation
  • directed to do unskilled work all the time
  • treated poorly (for example, bullied or harassed)

The VRQA can help.

We regulate the apprenticeship and traineeship system in Victoria. Our role is to monitor and enforce employers’ compliance with their duties under your training contract. You’re entitled to be in a safe workplace where you learn the skills and acquire the knowledge of your qualification, supported by qualified and experienced supervisors.

We can offer advice and can also send authorised officers to your workplace.

Call us for a chat:

  • 1300 722 603
  • or send an email to:

  • vrqa.apprenticeships@education.vic.gov.au