Finding the right person for an apprenticeship or traineeship is critical. The applicant must be hard-working, able to take instruction and dedicated to establishing a career in their chosen profession.

Consider the following ways you can recruit for your apprenticeship or traineeship.

Existing staff

By transitioning existing staff to an apprenticeship or traineeship, they can improve their skills and gain vocational or trade qualifications.

If your employee has some skills and experience, they can apply for recognition of prior learning to reduce the amount of off-the-job training they will need to complete. Once the off-the-job training has been completed, they apprenticeship or traineeship can be completed. Apprenticeships and traineeships are competency-based not time-based.

Group training organisation

Rather than directly recruit an apprentice or trainee yourself, you can 'host' one, for a short or long period of time, through a group training organisation (GTO).

The GTO takes care of the recruitment, employment and responsibility for the off-the job training.

You will only be responsible for on-the-job supervision and training.

Registered training organisation

Contact a registered training organisation who offers pre-vocational or pre-employment courses in your industry.

High schools

Recruit from local high schools. Many schools offer school-based training programs and may advertise the position to the school community.

Contact Apprenticeship Support Australia about using school networks to find your next apprentice or trainee.

Job seeker websites

Post your apprenticeship or traineeship vacancy on job seeker websites.

• Apprenticeship Central: Find out how to advertise a job or search for your next apprentice or trainee.
• Skillsroad: Find out about advertising for entry level jobs and 15 to 25-year-old job seekers.
• Trade Apprentices: Search for Queensland-based apprentices and trainees who have been previously registered but have lost their job.
• Workforce Australia: Search the Australian Government's online employment service for your next apprentice or trainee.

Many employers are reluctant to hire apprentices or trainees with disability because they:

• are more concerned about their disability than their abilities
• aren't aware of the benefits they bring to a workplace
• worry about having to make reasonable adjustments for them
• aren't sure about what support is available.

However, additional support is available when employers hire apprentices and trainees with disability.

Benefits

There are proven financial and social benefits for employing staff with disability.

Financial benefits may include:

• reduced staff turnover
• lower recruitment and retraining costs
• fewer compensation incidents and accidents at work
• lower insurance cover and workers' compensation costs
• less sick leave.

Social benefits may include:

• increased staff morale and sense of teamwork
• an enhanced image in the local community
• a workplace that reflects the diverse community that supports and surrounds it.

Financial support for employers

Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) program offers financial support to employers of apprentices or trainees with disability.

Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) offers financial support for workplace modifications such as:

• special equipment
• vehicle adaptions
• information and communication devices
• Auslan (sign language) services
• disability awareness training for the workplace.

Getting financial support

Your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider will help determine your eligibility and assist with the application process.

Financial support for off-the job training

Skills Disability Support provides technology and support services to approved training organisations, such as:

• magnification aids
• specialised computer accessories
• voice recognition applications
• screen reading software
• Auslan (sign language) interpreters
• disability coaches or mentors.