National Adult Apprenticeship Program - all you need to know...

The National Apprenticeships Program is a development of East Coast Apprenticeships. NAP is a response to the National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce report (July 2010).  It has quickly become a multi-stakeholder initiative with growing support from the minerals, resources and energy sectors, governments, training providers and participating GTOs. East Coast Apprenticeships is the appointed Program Manager with the CEO East Coast Apprenticeships nominated as the Program Director. 

Pine Rivers Caboolture and Redcliffe Group Training Scheme Incorporated, trading as East Coast Apprenticeships is registered in Queensland as a “Not for Profit” organisation under the Queensland Associations Incorporated Act. East Coast Apprenticeships is a registered Quality Group Training Organisation. As such East Coast Apprenticeships is the legal entity managing the National Apprenticeships Program. 

Here we answer your questions on the program........ 

What trade apprenticeships are available?

Six trades are being offered at this stage - Electrical Fitter Mechanic, Dual Trade Electrical/Instrumentation, Engineering Fabrication Trade - Boiler Maker/Welder, Engineering Diesel Fitter, Mechanical Fitter and Carpentry Formworkers. 

What experience do I need to qualify?

Participants are required to have experience in the specified trade field. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment will be conducted to ensure that experience equates to a 40% of the trade requirements in the specified trade. Likely candidates include: 

• people who’ve partly completed an apprenticeship in the past
• permanent Australian residents with overseas qualifications not yet recognised in Australia
• ex-members of the defence forces with aligned qualifications
• people with other related trade qualifications
• trades assistants for the construction and engineering trades only

What does the apprenticeship involve?

A training program will be tailored to fill the gaps in your competency, supervised by a Registered Training Organisation. You will also attend up to 12 weeks of college, in the city or town from where you were recruited

What sorts of rosters are associated with these on-site apprenticeships?

This will vary depending on the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) on the site where you’re based.

How long will the apprenticeship take?

Candidates only graduate when competent, potentially faster than 18 months This program is a shift to a competency-based, not time-based, training model.

How much will I be paid?

Successful applicants will be paid based on the Award or Enterprise Bargain Agreement at the site where they’re working. Working conditions, remoteness, roster and travel arrangements also determine wages levels for each site.

Will my pay change if I move to another site?

You will be paid according to the EBA of the site. If you are deployed to a new site, the EBA rates and conditions may be higher, it may be lower.

How do I stay in touch with my family?

You may not have mobile phone access in remote areas, but there is generally internet access available on-site. If you are located near a town, you may also have access internet cafes and public phones.

What does the selection process involve?

• It is a 100 day process.
• Applications are submitted online.
• Eligible applicants are invited to an information night hosted by the enterprise and RTO. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment will be explained.
• Applicants will have 30 calendar days to fulfill RPL requirements. You will need to provide evidence such as workplace testimonials and references, evidence of prior qualifications and photographs to support your work history.
• No-one will follow you up, if information is not provided within the allocated time, your application will not proceed.
• Approved applicants who achieve the RPL requirements will then undertake online psychometric testing for accident and risk management
• For applicants who meet this requirement, a personality assessment will be undertaken online prior to a full day attendance at the NAP Assessment Centre for literacy, numeracy and personality testing, as well as a group activities and behavioural interview.
• If successful, you’ll be sent a Conditional offer, pending a medical examination, reference checks and specific induction requirements of the host employer
• Only after all requirements are met, is an Unconditional offer sent, giving you 2 weeks to provide notice to your existing employer.

For more details, click here: https://nationalapprenticeships.com.au/