Apprentices and Trainees

This is a great way for industry to train for its future. New Apprenticeships, which may be referred to as apprenticeships or traineeships in some states and territories, offer many benefits to employers and New Apprentices.

New Apprentices (trainees and apprentices) can gain qualifications in agriculture and horticulture as they learn in the workplace. The training is very practical and relevant to the workplace. There are many units available to suit the variety of enterprises in the industry.

Correspondence, flexible learning or attendance at a TAFE, Agricultural College or private training provider supplements the on-farm training provided by the employer. The training provider assesses the trainee and awards the certificates on successful completion.

New Apprentices can be family members, this is very common in agriculture and horticulture. Eligibility for Commonwealth incentives should be checked with a New Apprenticeships Centre.

Generally, New Apprentices commence a 12 month Agriculture or Horticulture Certificate II New Apprenticeship and then go on to a 12 month Certificate III New Apprenticeship. Certificate level III is equal to the current trade qualification; it can be built upon for diploma or further studies. Certificate II and III are available in all States, and Certificate IV and above in many States.

Employers may attract a Commonwealth government New Apprenticeships incentive and state and territory government incentives, including an additional amount to encourage more females into the industry. New Apprentices are paid a wage by the employer during their training and where eligible a living away from home allowance may be paid by the Government.

Most people who need the training and are aged between 16 and 64 years can be employed as an apprentice or trainee; you don’t need to be unemployed to become a New Apprentice. (There are some restrictions on existing employees with the same employer; again check with a New Apprenticeships Centre for eligibility and the incentive amounts.)

Click here for tips on successful recruitment of apprentices and trainees.

FARM EXAMPLE

For a new recruit the following units would be included in a Certificate II:

RTC2701A Follow OHS procedures
TRC2702A Observe environmental work practices
RTC2705A Work effectively in the industry
RTC2801A Participate in workplace communications
RTC2306A Operate vehicles
RTC2307A Operate machinery and equipment
RTC2301A Undertake operational maintenance of machinery
RTC2026A Undertake propagation activities
RTC2404A Treat plant pests, diseases and disorders
RTC2209A Install, maintain and repair fencing
RTE2115A Muster and move livestock
RTE2010A Establish horticultural crops
RTE2011A Assist agricultural crop establishment
RTE2021A Support horticultural crop harvesting
RTE2130A Ride horses and care for equipment
RTE2136A Load and unload livestock
RTE2603A Lay irrigation and/or drainage pipes

There are many more units to choose from subject to the industry sector and the requirements of the particular farm.

Click here to download a copy of the National Code of Good Practice for New Apprenticeships