Starting an apprenticeship can involve a few different organisations, acronyms and people. If you’re new to the apprenticeship system, it can sometimes be difficult to work out who does what — and who you should contact when you need help.
The apprentice and employer are at the centre of the apprenticeship, but they’re supported by an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider, a Registered Training Organisation and the relevant state government department.
Here’s a simple breakdown of who’s who and the role each one plays.
The Apprentice
The apprentice is the person employed while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
An apprenticeship combines practical, on-the-job experience with structured training and assessment. This means the apprentice isn’t simply attending a course — they are learning their trade while working in the industry.
Throughout their apprenticeship, the apprentice is responsible for:
- Turning up to work and carrying out their normal employment responsibilities
- Learning and developing practical skills in the workplace
- Participating in the required training and assessment
- Working through the units required for their qualification
- Communicating with their employer and RTO about their training progress
- Meeting the requirements of their Training Contract and Training Plan
The goal is to develop both the practical workplace experience and competencies required to become a qualified tradesperson.
The Employer
The employer provides the workplace where much of the apprentice’s practical learning takes place.
While the RTO delivers the formal training and assessment, the employer plays a critical role in helping the apprentice develop their skills in real working conditions.
The employer is responsible for things such as:
- Employing and appropriately supervising the apprentice
- Providing opportunities to learn and practice the skills of the trade
- Providing suitable workplace training and experience
- Supporting the apprentice to complete their formal training
- Working with the RTO as the apprentice progresses through their qualification
- Meeting their responsibilities under the Training Contract
A successful apprenticeship is a partnership. The RTO can provide training, resources and assessment, but apprentices also need appropriate opportunities in the workplace to put those skills into practice.
The ACAP – Apprentice Connect Australia Provider
An ACAP is an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider.
Examples include organisations such as MEGT, BUSY At Work, MAS National and Apprenticeship Support Australia.
The ACAP is involved in the apprenticeship contract and administrative side of the apprenticeship.
They generally help the apprentice and employer with areas such as:
- Setting up and signing the apprenticeship
- Preparing and lodging the Training Contract
- Explaining the apprenticeship process
- Providing information about the rights and responsibilities of the apprentice and employer
- Helping identify available government incentives and support
- Providing ongoing apprenticeship support where required
A simple way to think about it is:
The ACAP looks after the apprenticeship sign-up and Training Contract process.
The ACAP should not be confused with the RTO. While the two organisations work within the same apprenticeship system, they have different roles.
The RTO – Registered Training Organisation
The Registered Training Organisation, or RTO, delivers the apprentice’s formal training and assessment.
This is where Gimbal Training fits into the apprenticeship.
Once an apprentice is signed into an apprenticeship and Gimbal Training is selected as the RTO, we work with the apprentice and employer throughout the training component of the qualification.
As the RTO, our role includes:
- Developing and managing the apprentice’s Training Plan
- Delivering the required training
- Providing training resources and support
- Assessing the apprentice against the required units of competency
- Monitoring their progress through the qualification
- Working with the apprentice and employer throughout their training
- Issuing the nationally recognised qualification once all training and assessment requirements have been successfully completed
The RTO is therefore responsible for the qualification and training side of the apprenticeship.
The Department
The relevant state government department also plays an important role in the apprenticeship system.
Exactly who this is depends on which state the apprenticeship is registered in.
Queensland
In Queensland, this is the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET).
The Department oversees the state’s apprenticeship and traineeship system and has responsibilities relating to Training Contracts, apprenticeship requirements and the regulation of apprenticeships and traineeships within Queensland.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, apprenticeships and traineeships are administered through Training Services.
Training Services oversees the Training Contract and apprenticeship arrangements within NSW and is responsible for areas such as approving and administering Training Contracts.
The Department’s role is different from both the ACAP and RTO.
The easiest way to think about it is that the Department oversees the apprenticeship system at a state level, while the ACAP assists with establishing and supporting the Training Contract and the RTO delivers the apprentice’s qualification.
How Does Everyone Work Together?
Although there are several parties involved, each has a different role.
Apprentice
Works, learns the trade and completes their training and assessment.
Employer
Employs, supervises and provides the apprentice with practical workplace experience and on-the-job training.
ACAP – Apprentice Connect Australia Provider
Helps establish the apprenticeship, manages the sign-up and Training Contract process and provides information about incentives and available support.
RTO – Registered Training Organisation
Delivers the apprentice’s formal training and assessment. In Gimbal Training’s case, this is where we work directly with apprentices and employers throughout the qualification.
Department
Oversees and administers the apprenticeship and traineeship system within the relevant state.
Not Sure Who You Need to Speak To?
One of the easiest ways to know who to contact is to think about what your question relates to.
Questions about your training, assessments, units or progress through your qualification?
Speak with your RTO.
Questions about your apprenticeship sign-up, Training Contract or available incentives?
Your ACAP is generally the right place to start.
Questions about your work, supervision or day-to-day employment?
Speak with your employer.
Questions relating to the state apprenticeship system or the administration of your Training Contract?
These may sit with the relevant Department or Training Services. Understanding who does what can make navigating an apprenticeship much simpler. While each party has a different responsibility, they all form part of the system designed to support an apprentice from sign-up through to becoming qualified.