| Frequently
Asked Questions
Where do I get trained?
School-based trainees, full-time trainees and apprentices receive thorough training from:
The theoretical part of your training takes place at a Registered Training Organisation (or RTO) such as TAFE or a private college. Usually full-time trainees and apprentices attend RTO training for blocks of between 4 and 8 weeks a year, depending on your course. School-based trainees usually attend for half a day a week during term. Work experience students do not attend theoretical training.
The practical part of your training takes place
on the job with your employer. As well as learning to use
your employer's equipment and systems, you will learn important
things such as safety, quality control, teamwork, customer
service and so on. to top
How much do I get paid?
All industries have Awards that are legal documents which
tell employers and their employees what conditions apply in
that industry, including wages. Regardless of what industry
you enter as a school-based trainee, full-time trainee or
apprentice, the award wage rate is the same. However your
employer may decide to pay you a little over the award, so
there can be variation between employees, businesses and industries.
Work experience students are not entitled to a wage. However sometimes an employer may decide to take a work experience student on as a casual employee and then the award wage rate would apply. to top
How does the printing and graphic communications industry compare with other careers?
You probably talk to your friends and family about what is the best career for you. Some of the things you could be interested in could include how interesting the work is, whether you can work anywhere in Australia or overseas, how well paid it is, what your future options are, etc.
If you are good with your hands, or if you are a creative person, or both, the work is very interesting. The equipment is increasingly computer based or controlled and gives you the opportunity to participate in the production of some amazing printed material.
Most printing and graphic communications businesses nowadays are in modern and well-equipped premises, with air-conditioning and very good general conditions. Designers, printers and print-finishers receive exceptional wages that compare very well against other trade areas.
The printing and graphic communications industry is a global one and your services will be in demand wherever in the world you want to be. A traineeship or apprenticeship is your passport to a brilliant career. to top
How do I find a traineeship or apprenticeship?
There are several ways you can find a role in our industry:
· Speak to your school careers teacher
· Register with the Jobs network
· Write to (or visit) printing industry businesses
· Register with Group Training Australia
· Call the Printing Industries Association 1800 227 425 to top
How do I find a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship?
Businesses in the printing & graphic communications industry are increasingly keen to employ school-based trainees. It's easy to find out more and to get yourself a school-based traineeship.
You can speak to your school careers teacher, write to (or visit) printing industry businesses, contact placement organisations such as Club Crocodile or Northern Bayside Business Links, or you can call the Printing Industries Association on 1800 227 425.
What about "work experience"?
Work experience is a great way to find out about a particular career without having to commit to it for more than a couple of weeks. You can find a work experience employer in the same way that you'd find a school-based traineeship - speak to your school careers teacher, write to (or visit) printing industry businesses, contact placement organisations such as Club Crocodile or Northern Bayside Business Links, or you can call the Printing Industries Association on 1800 227 425 to top
What if my employer's business is sold?
School-based trainees and full-time trainees and apprentices
are contracted to the owner of the business. If the business
is sold the apprentice/trainee can have their training contract
assigned to the new owner of the business with the new owner's
agreement. For this to happen the present owner must advise
the government department in your state that looks after
employment and vocational education & training of
the new arrangements within 14 days of the transfer of the
business. The new owner should also contact the government
department to advise of their agreement to continue the training.
to top
When is a full-time traineeship/apprenticeship completed?
For COMPLETION of a FULL-TIME apprenticeship or traineeship and for a completion certificate to be issued the supervising Registered Training Organisation (RTO) must ensure the following steps have been completed.
The RTO must:
· Receive a copy of the written statement by the employer and apprentice/ trainee confirming that all training the employer was required to deliver under the training plan has been delivered.
· Sign an agreement, together with the employer and apprentice/trainee, acknowledging the completion of training (the actual completion date is the date this agreement is signed).
· Give the employer and apprentice/trainee a copy of this signed agreement.
· Issue a qualification to the apprentice/trainee and advise the employer it has been issued.
· Advise the government department in your state that looks after employment and vocational education & training that the qualification has been issued, stating the actual completion date. to top
What about worker's compensation?
Like other employees apprentices and trainees are entitled to workers compensation. The government department that looks after workers compensation in your state can give details. to top
How do I deal with problems?
If either you or your employer have problems communicating, training becomes difficult and this may lead to misunderstandings and conflict.
Do not let the situation develop to the point where one or the other wants to give up. The government department in your state that looks after employment and vocational education & training can help here. to top
What behaviour is expected of me?
The following are examples of unacceptable behaviour in any industry:
· Disobeying employer's instruction
· Dishonesty
· Absent from work without employer's approval
· Failure to attend college or school
· Unsatisfactory progress in training
Disciplinary action taken by the the government department in your state that looks after employment and vocational education & training may include written reprimand, fine, suspension or cancellation of the apprenticeship or traineeship. to top
What if I change my mind?
Your first option is to try to sort out any differences that may have lead to this situation and then proceed with the training. If probation is finished you can still apply to cancel the apprenticeship/traineeship. However as your contract is legally binding there are conditions for cancelling the contract. Should you wish to cancel after probation it is important that you contact the government department in your state that looks after employment and vocational education & training. to top
|
