Support services
On this page:
- Disability support
- Learning support
- Indigenous support
- Crisis support
- Support and advocacy
- Fair treatment in the workplace
Disability support
Assistance and support for apprentices and trainees with disabilities is available from a range of sources. Support is best arranged at the commencement of employment and included in the training plan.
Support needs to be arranged as quickly as possible to ensure the best learning outcomes.
Supervising registered training organisations (SRTOs) should provide information about the skills and abilities that are required for successful participation in apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications.
Where a TAFE institute is the SRTO, disability services officers are available to negotiate with all parties for the support required.
Where the SRTO is a private training organisation, the apprentice or trainee needs should be discussed with an appropriate representative of the SRTO.
SRTOs are required to make reasonable adjustments by adapting their training delivery methods or training services to ensure equity and full access to training by people with a disability.
Practical support is available for apprentices and trainees with a disability, including:
- sign language interpreters
- specialist support personnel e.g. notetakers, scribes
Adaptive equipment is also available, including:
- large computer monitors, joystick controls or switch controls
- software programs which could include magnification, screen reading or voice recognition
- specialised furniture and keyboards
- training in assistive/adaptive equipment or software for staff and students.
These services are subject to eligibility criteria.
Please read the Disability Assistance information sheet or contact the Apprenticeships Info Service on 1800 210 210.
Learning support
When considering whether to do an apprenticeship or traineeship, the student, parent and school need to consider whether the student has the necessary literacy and numeracy skills.
This should be discussed as part of the student's senior education and training (SET) planning process.
Supervising registered training organisations (SRTOs)
SRTOs should provide information to schools about the underpinning language, literacy and numeracy skills that are required for successful participation in school-based apprenticeship and traineeship (SAT) qualifications.
When creating the training plan, a SRTO is required to conduct a literacy/ numeracy assessment to determine if the student has the necessary prerequisite literacy and numeracy skills.
If the student does not have the underpinning literacy and numeracy skills, the SRTO, school, student and parent should carefully consider whether the chosen qualification is appropriate for the student to undertake as a SAT.
As part of the Australian Qualification Training Framework, the SRTO is required to provide a reasonable amount of training to help the student acquire the language, literacy and numeracy skills required for the competencies contained in their SAT.
Schools
Schools have a responsibility to provide students with English/literacy, maths/numeracy as part of the school curriculum.
Schools need to ensure that the school-based learning supports students to acquire the necessary literacy and numeracy skills to equip them for their future.
Learning support for school-based apprentices and trainees is ultimately a shared responsibility between the supervising registered training organisation (SRTO) and the school.
For more information about learning support, talk to the SRTO or the school.
Indigenous support
The Indigenous Employment and Training Support Program has a network of Indigenous employment and training support officers.
These officers provide culturally appropriate mentoring and support to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices, trainees and vocational students during the course of their employment and/or training program.
The program aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices, trainees and vocational students through the training and to maximise employment opportunities.
Indigenous employment and training support officers are based in 28 localities throughout Queensland.
The Deadly Pathways section of the Career Information Service website provides information specifically for Aboriginal students and Torres Strait Islander students.
Phone 1300 369 925 to find your local Indigenous employment and training support officer (IETSO).
Crisis support
As well as providing advice and assistance with the everyday issues of apprenticeships and traineeships, the Department of Education and Training (DET) recognises the need to support apprentices, trainees, employers and training organisations when more serious concerns arise.
Some of the issues facing apprentices and trainees that may require assistance include:
- communication problems
- workplace mediation
- negotiation and conflict resolution
- emotional and mental health issues
- personal issues
- absenteeism and behavioural issues.
If an issue has the potential to impact on the school-based apprentice's or trainee's training contract, please phone Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210 for further assistance.
Where an issue requires specialist attention, the department will refer the apprentice or trainee to an appropriate community-based or government agency for further assistance.
To learn more, read the information sheet on assistance and support for apprentices and trainees.
Support and advocacy
During the term of an apprenticeship or traineeship, the Department of Education and Training (DET) may be involved in decision making around registered training contracts, e.g. cancellation or amendment.
If this occurs, apprentices or trainees and their employers may be requested to verbally respond or submit written information to the department.
Parties may choose to obtain legal support or advice to assist throughout this process. There are state-wide services that may be accessed by apprentices or trainees or employers to obtain support or assistance in relation to all types of employment issues.
To learn more, read the information sheet on assistance and support which also includes a list of support agencies.
Fair treatment in the workplace
As an apprentice or trainee, you should be treated the same as any other employee. It's set out in Queensland what is and isn't acceptable - or fair - in regards to the treatment and behaviours that can go on in workplaces.
Workplace harassment can include:
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behaviour that is repeated, unwelcome and unsolicited
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behaviour that you consider to be offensive, intimidating, humiliating or threatening
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behaviour that a reasonable person would consider to be offensive, humiliating, intimidating or threatening
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ridicule (e.g. name calling, racist jokes)
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physical and emotional intimidation (e.g. physical threats or abuse, display of threatening or offensive slogans).
In addition, it can be illegal to be treated unfairly because of your:
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sex, relationship or parental status
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race
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age
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impairment
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religious or political beliefs
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union activities
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gender identity
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sexuality
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lawful sexual activity
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pregnancy
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breastfeeding
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family responsibilities.
Unfair treatment based on any of these attributes may constitute discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation or vilification.
If you feel you are being treated unfairly, you need to do something about it:
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keep a diary of the times you feel you have been bullied or harassed - write down as much as you can about what happened and the names of people who would support your claims
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approach the person, or someone you feel comfortable with in charge of that person, and request it stops
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find out if your workplace has someone who is the contact person for bullying or harassment issues - perhaps the workplace health and safety officer - and they can help you address the problem
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talk to your union.
If you feel you are being treated unfairly at work you should take action as soon as possible. This may be difficult, but will provide the best chance to work through the problem.
Contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210 for further information.