General problems and what to do
I don't have a training plan
Every apprentice or trainee must have a training plan outlining the training to be delivered by the employer and the training organisation. The training plan should be negotiated and signed during your probationary period (that is, during the first 90 days for an apprentice, or the first 30 days for a trainee).
If you don't have a signed training plan, and your probationary period is completed, you should talk to your employer about the need to develop a training plan.
If you have spoken to your employer and training organisation, and still don't have a training plan, contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.
My training record is not being signed
The training organisation must provide you with an appropriate training record within 14 days of signing your training plan.
The training organisation and your employer must, at regular intervals (at least once every three months), enter details of completed training in your training record. You should regularly ask your employer and training organisation to go through your training record.
If you have spoken to your employer and training organisation, and your training record is still not being signed, contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.
I'm not learning enough
You, your employer and your training organisation, will have developed a training plan that outlines the training to be delivered, who will deliver it, and when you should complete each competency. You will all need to review your training plan regularly to ensure your training is progressing satisfactorily.
If you don't think you are making any progress:
- talk to your employer
- talk to your training organisation
- contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.
My employer won't let me do my training. What should I do?
First, you should try to speak to your employer. Remind them that you must complete the training as per the training plan and of their obligations as stated in the Employer responsibilities information sheet.
If the matter cannot be resolved, you should contract Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210 for assistance. You should also alert the training organisation to the situation.
If the issue is still unresolved, contact the Training Ombudsman on 1300 306 699 or by email at ombudsman@trainingombudsman.qld.gov.au.
How do I make a complaint about or change my training organisation?
Every apprentice and trainee must have a training organisation that will work with your employer to provide facilities, services, supervision and the training required under the training plan.
Your training organisation must carry out a wide range of duties, including:
- providing induction information
- negotiating the training plan
- developing the training record
- ensuring you receive quality training.
More information can be found on the Responsibilities of training organisations stakeholder reference sheet on the Training website.
A training organisation that fails to fulfil its duties should be reported to the department. Before lodging the complaint, you should try to resolve the matter through the training organisation's internal grievance or appeals process. Ask for a copy of the training organisation's policies and procedures.
If you are not satisfied with the training organisation's grievance process outcome, lodge a complaint with the Training Queensland Customer Centre on 1300 369 935.
You and your employer may also decide to replace your chosen training organisation. More information on this process can be found on the Changing the training contract information sheet.
I'm not being trained at work
Under the training contract, your employer must provide the facilities, range of work, supervision, appropriate wages and entitlements, and deliver the training required as part of your training plan. You must also be:
- trained for your job
- adequately supervised in the workplace
- allowed to participate in required training
- paid for the time you spend training with your training organisation, depending on the relevant industrial relations instrument applicable to your employer (this may not apply to school-based apprentices and trainees). Contact Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 to find out more.
If you are not being trained at work, you should contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210 to lodge a complaint.
I don't get along with my boss
Like any working relationship, you may encounter a few bumps along the way. If you are having problems talking to your boss, training becomes difficult and this may lead to frustration, conflict and misunderstanding.
Try to work out the problem with your supervisor. Seek help early. The department can provide assistance to help you work through problems. Contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210 for assistance.