4 Reasons Why You Should Have An Apprentice On Your Team
Apprentices are a key element of today’s workforce, yet many businesses don’t see it this way. Too many businesses see the time and effort required to train and fully supervise an apprentice as an inconvenience and ‘someone else’s responsibility’ but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, having an apprentice is a smart investment in the future of your company. If you aren’t contributing to the education of new tradespeople, your business may feel the impact in the future should a skills shortage occur.
- Training workers – your way
Having an apprentice can be a great way to attract and retain staff. Once their apprenticeship is completed, you suddenly have a fully qualified person who knows the in and outs of your business, and many apprentices opt to remain with the company that supported them through their training. As the supervisor of an apprentice, you can help instil the key characteristics that you value in your workplace.
- Support from a RTO
It is important to ensure that your apprentice is signed up via a reputable Registered Training Organisation (RTO). There are lots of RTO’s to choose from, but research them well before making a choice. Several private RTO’s have gone into administration in recent years, and unfortunately often the hard work put in by the apprentice can disappear with the RTO if modules haven’t been signed off properly. The RTO is there to support both the apprentice and the employer, and they will ensure that the training and assessment is being delivered, provide additional learning support, manage any disputes and issue the qualification.
- Financial incentive
There are several financial incentives payable to the employer when you employ an apprentice, such as:
- Discounts on your WorkCover premium
- Payments at the commencement and completion of the apprenticeship
- Payments for apprentices over the age of 25
- Additional payments for drought areas or skill shortage trades
- Giving people an opportunity
Having completed his electrical apprenticeship in Queensland, Hold Fast Director Zack Williams understands the need for employers to give people just starting out in their career the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification and the essential experience that goes with it.
Hold Fast Technicians install and service a range of self-repairing high speed doors and rapid roller doors, and several have taken the opportunity to further their skills by undertaking an electrical apprenticeship in conjunction with Queensland TAFE.