Step five - use probation to be sure
A probationary period in the training contract allows the employer and the apprentice or trainee to work together before deciding if they both wish to continue the apprenticeship or traineeship. During this period, the apprentice's or trainee's work ethic should be assessed in order that the employer can decide if they have chosen the right person for the apprenticeship or traineeship.
Probation begins at the commencement of the apprenticeship or traineeship. The standard probationary period is 90 days for an apprentice and 30 days for a trainee.
During probation, the employer must sign the training contract and negotiate the training plan with the apprentice or trainee. The training plan outlines the type of training the apprentice or trainee needs to undertake, who will deliver that training, when and where training will take place, and when and how that training will be assessed. The training plan assists the employer to manage the apprentice's or trainee's training program and work rotation.
If the employer needs more time to decide on continuing the apprenticeship or traineeship, the probationary period can be extended by contacting Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210 before the end of the probationary period.
Once probation is completed, the employer and the apprentice or trainee are contracted to each other for the length of the training contract. If either party wishes to cancel the apprenticeship or traineeship, they will need to contact Apprenticeships Info.
For more information, read the fact sheet: Probationary Periods.
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