Options for training
Depending on your reasons for training, the type of training you need, and the resources available to you, there are a number of training options available:
- Apprenticeships and traineeships
- External training
- In-house training
- Group training organisations
- Becoming a registered training organisation
- Recognition of prior learning
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Using training that is fully integrated with the company's business plan means that your recruitment and training activities can be coordinated, and that your company can benefit fully from the advantages of apprenticeships and traineeships. New and existing employees can be signed on as apprentices and trainees.
The training apprentices and trainees receive - usually a combination of on-the-job and off-the-job training - is complemented by the work experience they receive while employed by you.
The benefits you may derive from employing a trainee or apprentice are many. Apprenticeships and traineeships:
- provide an effective way to train and induct new people into an industry
- offer flexibility, allowing training to be tailored to meet your requirements
- improve the productivity of new workers and accelerate their contribution to the workplace
- provide an industry-based career path with nationally recognised qualifications
- help prepare people to be flexible and adaptable to meet new work methods and changing technology
- can provide you with financial incentives.
Learn more about recruiting an apprentice or trainee.
External training
When using external training, training is delivered by a registered training organisation, and is often classroom-based at the training organisation's premises.
External training includes:
- 'open' programs, where one or more of your staff attend training that has been advertised
- 'closed' programs, where you commission training to be delivered specifically for your staff.
The advantage of 'closed' programs is that they can be customised to your specific needs. They can also be scheduled to fit in with your company's workflow. However, there is usually a requirement for a minimum number of participants.
External training is best suited to companies that do not have the resources to provide their own training, but need formal recognition of staff skills (for example, where licensing is required).
In-house training
In-house training is delivered at your premises, usually by the training provider's staff. Although using external trainers has been the most frequent form of in-house training so far, many employers are now choosing to have their own personnel deliver training and/or conduct assessment.
There are 3 generally-recognised options for in-house training:
In-house training option 1
In-house training option 1 usually involves a registered training organisation delivering a customised course to fit in with your specific training requirements, using your company's tools, materials and equipment. This type of training can be a combination of on-the-job and/or classroom delivery. The ultimate responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment process rests with the registered training organisation.
In-house training option 1 is best suited to companies that wish to provide recognised training to large numbers of staff, and have training facilities in-house, such as a suitable training room and available plant, tools and equipment.
In-house training option 2
Using in-house training option 2, your staff provide some or all of the training in-house, but the final assessments and issue of qualifications are conducted by a registered training organisation, which is also responsible for the quality of the training.
In house training option 2 is best suited to companies that have training resources and qualified trainers in-house, but no qualified assessors.
In-house training option 3
Using in-house training option 3, your staff conduct most training and assessment in-house, with the support and assistance of a registered training organisation. The registered training organisation may conduct training and/or assessment in areas outside your trainers' and assessors' expertise, such as computing or literacy/numeracy.
In-house training option 3 is best suited to companies with well-established training structures, or those that have experienced and qualified trainers and assessors but do not wish to become a registered training organisation.
You can mix and match in-house training options depending on your particular training needs and circumstances.
Group training organisations
Contact a group training organisation in your area if you are:
- seeking an apprenticeship or traineeship position
- a business interested in employing one or more apprentices or trainees, even if only for a relatively short period
- a training provider, both public and private
- a secondary school offering vocational courses or school-based apprenticeships and traineeships
- an organisation with responsibility for implementing structured entry level training arrangements e.g. Australian Apprenticeship Centres and Job Network providers.
Becoming a registered training organisation
To become a registered training organisation, your company must apply to the Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts and demonstrate that it fulfils the strict quality requirements regarding both business management, and the delivery and management of training and assessment services. Learn more about becoming a registered training organisation.
- Becoming a registered training organisation requires well-developed training systems and qualified trainers and assessors, as well as suitably qualified training managers and staff who are knowledgeable about the training system.
Your company would be responsible for all administration and record-keeping and, as a registered training organisation, would need to comply with all relevant statutory requirement.
Once registered as a training organisation, your company would be fully responsible for the quality and integrity of the training and assessment processes.
Recognition of prior learning
All adults have skills, and most adults have skills that can be formally recognised. If your employees or prospective employees have had a job, raised a family, volunteered in the community, or had hobbies, it is likely that they have some skills that can count towards a certificate or a diploma.
Learn more about the benefits of recognising past learning.
Contact Apprenticeships info 1800 210 210 or Training Queensland 1300 369 935
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