A key feature of the implementation of competency based completion in Victoria is a strengthening of the collaboration between registered training organisations and employers in supporting an apprentice’s progress and jointly confirming their achievement of competence.
When and how is the apprenticeship completed?
What does it mean if the apprenticeship is completed?
Is there a wage implication on completion of the apprenticeship?
What if the apprentice does not develop competence before the nominal completion of the Training Contract?
Does finishing structured training/trade school complete the apprenticeship?
What if all parties don’t agree about the apprentice being competent?
How will I know when the apprenticeship is completed?
What if the apprentice loses the job before completion of the apprenticeship?
Completion occurs when Bendigo TAFE receives written confirmation from the employer that the apprentice has demonstrated any remaining competencies and they understand that their confirmation of the final competencies will end the apprenticeship.
Upon completion of all the units as listed in the Training Plan, Bendigo TAFE will send a letter to the employer to confirm their apprentice’s completion. Once all the competencies have been confirmed by the employer, the apprenticeship and qualification are completed simultaneously and the apprentice will be certified as competent by the State Training Authority.
There is no longer a need to make special application for early release or to serve the nominal completion date as per the training contract.
Completion has wage implications for the apprentice and the employer. Completion of the apprenticeship means the apprentice is entitled to employment conditions as detailed in the relevant Award. For information on the relevant Award contact Fair Work Australia:
Fair Work Infoline
Tel: 13 13 94
Further information is available from the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Yes. On completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentice is entitled to the conditions for a qualified tradesperson as detailed in the relevant Award. For information on the relevant Award contact Fair Work Australia:
Fair Work Infoline
Tel: 13 13 94
Further information is available from the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
If the apprentice/trainee has not obtained competence by the nominal completion date Bendigo TAFE should advise the employer and apprentice/trainee and they may agree to extend the term of the training contract.
This can be arranged by the employer contacting their Australian Apprenticeships Centre.
No. The apprenticeship cannot be completed until all the competencies of the structured training have been achieved and the employer has returned written confirmation of the apprentice’s competence as an employee in the workplace to Bendigo TAFE.
As would have happened prior to competency based completion, if the apprentice is not assessed by Bendigo TAFE as competent then further training or experience in the relevant competencies may be required – either on or off the job – before the apprentice is considered competent.
Similarly, if the employer does not think that the apprentice has demonstrated the competencies necessary to complete their qualification, then Bendigo TAFE and apprentice may agree with the employer on further training or experience in the relevant competencies.
Failing agreement on a way to demonstrate competency to the satisfaction of Bendigo TAFE and employer, the employer or apprentice should contact an Apprenticeship Field Officer by calling the Skills Victoria service:
Apprenticeship Administration Information Line, Skills Victoria
Tel: 1300 722 603.
For Employers |
Employer's will receive a letter from Skills Victoria confirming the completion of the apprenticeship. |
For Apprentices |
Apprentice's will receive a certificate from Bendigo TAFE that details the relevant Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification including the words "obtained under an approved Victorian Government Apprenticeship or Traineeship training scheme”.
Apprentices will also receive a letter from Skills Victoria confirming the completion of the apprenticeship. Apprentices can receive a Confirmation of Completion Certificate which identifies their trade if they apply to VETASSESS.
For more information visit the VETASSESS website. |
The apprentice can continue their structured training with Bendigo TAFE as long as enrolment fees continue to be paid until completion of the qualification, and subject to class availability.
If the apprentice completes their training outside an apprenticeship their certificate can be issued for the qualification but without the words "obtained under an approved Victorian Government Apprenticeship or Traineeship training scheme”. This means they have attained the same qualification as a completing apprentice but are not counted as having completed an apprenticeship.
If the apprentice finds a new employer a new Training Contract is required.