In 2012 a more sophisticated and regulated version of this ancient apprentice system exists. The value of this on-the-job learning and workplace training is still widely recognised by employers and employees, industry and government.
Traineeships and apprenticeships provide a stable flow of skilled workers into the workforce. They provide students with a clear pathway to succeeding in their vocation and a pathway to further study.
Traineeships and apprenticeships also provide enterprises with staff specifically trained to meet the needs of their organisation and the relevant industry.
In 2011, Western Sydney Institute provided training to 7,000 apprentices and trainees. Apprenticeships and traineeships are characterised by a training contract which is signed by the employer, the training organisation and the employee.
The contract can vary in duration, with qualifications being awarded on the basis of competency.
Traineeships tend to be shorter in duration than apprenticeships – on average taking two years to complete, and can result in a variety of qualifications designed to suit their employment role.
Apprenticeships can take up to four years to complete, but with official recognition of experience and skills, many apprentices complete in a quicker timeframe. Apprentices acquire trade qualifications on completion.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are growing in popularity, allowing school students to work towards a qualification and gain valuable experience while remaining at school.
Western Sydney Institute delivers around 1,500 of these per year to students at 83 Western Sydney Secondary Schools.
The success and efficiency of training employees on-the-job is catching on for employers, according to Western Sydney Institute’s Stephen Ryan.
“Around 28% of apprentice and trainee commencements in 2011 across Australia were in trade occupations,” Stephen said.
“Although trade apprentices are still a significant force in the community, we have noticed an increasing trend towards ‘softer trades’ such as business services. In fact, employees with a training contract are employed in more than 500 occupations in Australia and represent most sectors of business and industry.
“We have also noticed an increase in females taking up trades in carpentry and joinery and automotive apprenticeships – a fact which demonstrates the extent to which new apprenticeships are moving with the times and are suited to the modern economy.”
“Western Sydney Institute’s philosophy of personalised service - adapting the way training is delivered to suit the needs of participants - means that we do what we can to make training fit around employers, trainees and apprentices.
“In some cases, the entire apprenticeship is conducted in the workplace. In other cases and depending on the trade area, the teacher can visit the workplace to train and assess units of competence to alleviate the need to leave the workplace for training.
“In all cases there is close communication between the teacher, student and employer to ensure successful qualification completion.
“Having trainees and apprentices on site is very worthwhile to employers. In addition to gaining an employee who is an exact fit for the organisation, we find that having an employee committed to improving his or her skills motivates other employees to update their skills.
“Western Sydney Institute can provide assistance with accessing the funding or incentives that may be available and provide valuable advice about what can be done to help your business to meet any gaps in skills.”
To discuss apprenticeships and traineeships and on-the-job training for your business contact Stephen Ryan on 9208 9991 or email Stephen.B.Ryan@tafensw.nsw.edu.au.
