North Metropolitan TAFE (NMTAFE) provides off-the-job training for apprentices and trainees through a range of delivery methods. Dedicated scheduling teams at each campus are responsible for allocating students to training groups and advising employers of upcoming training requirements.
Apprentices cannot be scheduled until NMTAFE has received the Commencement Advice, and trainees cannot be enrolled until their training contract has been received and processed.
When your contract is first received by NMTAFE your apprentice may be waitlisted for training if all available blocks are fully subscribed.
Once a training place becomes available and scheduling has been completed, a Call-Up Letter will be issued to both the employer and apprentice, generally 6 to 8 weeks prior to training commencement. A reminder text message is also sent to apprentices shortly before the first day of training.
What's included in the Call-Up Letter?
The Call-Up Letter provides important information about the upcoming training, including:
- Training location, dates and times
- Units of competency to be delivered
- Information about workplace tasks that can support the training being undertaken
- Any course-specific requirements, including tools, equipment, textbooks or dress standards
- Instructions for confirming attendance
Upon receiving the Call-Up Letter, employers are requested to confirm their apprentice's attendance.
Training delivery options
Apprenticeships
Training may be delivered through:
Day Release
- Attendance at TAFE one day per week for a semester.
- Delivery generally commences at the start of Semester 1 (February) or Semester 2 (July).
- Apprentices commencing mid-semester may need to wait until the next intake period.
Block Release
- Attendance in intensive training blocks, usually one to two weeks in duration.
- Blocks may occur once or several times throughout the year depending on the qualification.
- Delivery patterns vary between industry areas and qualifications.
Traineeship
Most traineeships are delivered through one or a combination of the following methods:
Work-Based Training
- Training and assessment occur in the workplace.
- Workplace visits and assessments are undertaken by NMTAFE assessors.
- Learning materials are provided online.
Online Delivery
- Training and assessment completed online.
- Some courses include scheduled live virtual classes.
Combined Delivery
- A combination of workplace training, online learning and campus attendance where required.
Where training is work-based, employers should ensure trainees are provided sufficient work time to complete learning and assessment activities.
Employer obligations
Under the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996, employers are required to release apprentices to attend scheduled training.
Regular attendance at off-the-job training is essential to ensure apprentices progress through their training plan and complete their qualification within the contracted timeframe.
If an employer believes an apprentice cannot attend a scheduled block, an Application to Reschedule Training should be submitted at least 10 working days prior to commencement.
Please note:
- Repeated requests to reschedule training may place the training contract at risk of not being completed by the agreed end date.
- Declining a scheduled place may result in delays before another suitable training block becomes available.
If you know that your apprentice isn’t going to be available for a block in the future due to a leave booking or a specific project timeline, it's important to let us know as soon as possible so we can factor that into our planning. It's not ideal to wait until you get your call up letter as all other blocks may already be full.
Preparing for Training
Prior to training commencement, employers and apprentices should:
- Review our Student Essentials as it contains links to the online systems that apprentices use during studies, including instructional videos on how to login and access them.
- Ensure that they have advised NMTAFE of their student USI number and any credits from previous study. The units listed on the letter are the units that are to be delivered so it’s critical we know if any have been completed elsewhere.
- Be aware of course specific information such as equipment, dress requirements and textbooks – students may not be permitted to workshops if they do not have the correct equipment
- Understand that if apprentices need to travel to campus via air a Travel request will need to be submitted. Students making their way to campus by private car, bus or train, may be able to claim some allowances.
- Arrange payments for the Apprentice fees as enrolment is not finalised until payment arrangements have been made. View our payment options.
Apprentice Fees
Employers are not required to pay apprentice fees upfront; however, many Modern Awards require employers to reimburse apprentices after satisfactory progress has been demonstrated.
Employers may:
- Pay fees directly to NMTAFE; or
- Reimburse apprentices in accordance with Award requirements.
Enrolment cannot be finalised until a fee payment arrangement has been established.
Travel and Accommodation Assistance
The Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD) provides assistance to eligible apprentices and trainees who need to travel to attend off-the-job training.
Assistance may be available where travel exceeds:
- 71 km round trip for travel allowance
- 150 km round trip for accommodation allowance
- 1,100 km round trip for airfare assistance (air travel must be arranged through the training provider)
Attendance and Absences
Attendance at all scheduled training sessions is critical.
Block training often includes:
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) inductions
- Prerequisite units
- Practical activities that cannot easily be repeated
Missing even a single day may impact progression through the block and could require rescheduling.
If an apprentice is absent, arrives late, or leaves training early, NMT will notify the employer on the next business day. Employers may also be contacted if concerns arise regarding attendance, progress, behaviour, wellbeing, or the likelihood of successful completion.
Competency-Based Training and Early Completion
NMT delivers training under a competency-based system. Once an apprentice demonstrates the required competencies, they may complete a unit or training block earlier than expected.
Where this occurs, apprentices are advised to contact their employer regarding workplace attendance arrangements for the remainder of the day or training period.
Return to Work
Apprentices may be returned to the workplace if they:
- Attend without the required PPE, tools or equipment.
- Fail to establish an approved fee payment arrangement.
- Complete their block requirements earlier than anticipated and are awaiting the next training activity.
Fitness for Training and Workers' Compensation
Apprentices undertaking off-the-job training continue to be covered under the Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981, including on paid training days.
Students attending training must be fit to safely undertake normal industry activities. Apprentices who are absent from work due to injury, illness, or restricted duties must not attend training without prior approval from the Academic Delivery area.
NMTAFE may require:
- Medical clearance;
- Fitness for work documentation; or
- Additional medical information
before approving participation in training activities.