What is an Apprentice Training Plan?

A Training Plan is a formal working document that sets out how an apprentice or trainee's qualification will be delivered and assessed throughout their apprenticeship. It is developed collaboratively by the employer, the apprentice or trainee, and the Registered Training Organisation, and it sits alongside the Training Contract as one of the key documents underpinning every Australian Apprenticeship.

What is the Purpose of a Training Plan?

While the Training Contract is the legal agreement that establishes the apprenticeship, the Training Plan is the practical roadmap that guides how the training actually happens.

It ensures that everyone involved, the employer, the apprentice and the RTO, understands what needs to be learned, how it will be taught and assessed, and who is responsible for what.

Without a Training Plan, there is no shared understanding of how the qualification will be achieved, which can lead to confusion, missed milestones and difficulty completing on time.

What Does a Training Plan Include?

A Training Plan typically covers:

• All the units of competency required to complete the chosen qualification
• How each unit will be delivered, whether in the workplace, in a classroom, online or through a combination of methods
• Who is responsible for delivering each component of the training
• When off-the-job training blocks or scheduled sessions will take place
• How each unit will be assessed and what evidence of competency is required
• Any Recognition of Prior Learning that applies to the apprentice
• Any additional support arrangements required by the apprentice

Every apprentice or trainee has their own individual Training Plan. It is not a generic document. It is specific to the person, the qualification, the employer and the RTO involved.

Who is Involved in Developing the Training Plan?

The Training Plan is developed collaboratively between three parties.

Registered Training Organisation

The RTO takes the lead in developing the Training Plan. They bring expertise in the qualification requirements and can advise on the different ways each unit can be delivered and assessed.

They are responsible for ensuring the plan meets all regulatory requirements and that the training they deliver aligns with what is outlined in it.

Employer or host business

The employer's role in developing the Training Plan is to confirm what training can be provided in the workplace and to ensure the work tasks listed in the plan are ones the apprentice will actually have access to during their time on the job.

Signing the Training Plan is an acknowledgement that you understand your obligations and will support the apprentice's training accordingly.

The apprentice or trainee

The apprentice is also a party to the Training Plan. They should understand what is expected of them, what training they will receive and how they will be assessed.

Their job is to engage with the plan actively, complete all learning and assessment as outlined and work with both the employer and the RTO to achieve competency across all required units.

What Are the Employer's Responsibilities Under the Training Plan?

As a host employer, signing the Training Plan means committing to provide the workplace tasks and experiences outlined in it.

Specifically, your responsibilities include:

• Providing the on-the-job training and work tasks listed in the plan
• Releasing the apprentice for scheduled off-the-job training as required
• Working with the apprentice and the RTO to support progression through the qualification
• Keeping your own copy of the signed Training Plan
• Notifying the relevant authority if it becomes apparent the apprentice may not complete their training within the expected timeframe

When you hire an apprentice through MIGAS, we manage the relationship with the RTO and assist with all Training Plan administration on your behalf.

What Are the Apprentice's Responsibilities?

As an apprentice or trainee, the Training Plan is your guide to completing your qualification.

Your responsibilities include:

• Understanding what is expected of you at each stage of the training
• Completing all learning activities and assessments as outlined in the plan
• Attending all scheduled off-the-job training sessions
• Working with your employer and the RTO to develop competency across all required units
• Keeping your own copy of the signed Training Plan

Can a Training Plan Be Changed?

Yes. The Training Plan is a flexible, working document rather than a fixed agreement. If circumstances change, such as a change in host employer, a variation in the work available, or a need to adjust the delivery schedule, the Training Plan can be updated to reflect the new arrangement.

Any changes need to be agreed by all parties and formally recorded. The process for making changes varies slightly between states and territories, but in all cases the intent is to keep the plan current and relevant to the apprentice's actual training situation.

What About School-Based Apprentices?

If the apprentice is completing a school-based arrangement, the school is not formally a party to the Training Plan. However, the school does need to be involved in discussions about how work and study commitments will be balanced and how the apprenticeship fits around the student's timetable.

How Does MIGAS Support Training Plan Management?

When you host an apprentice through MIGAS, we work with the RTO to ensure the Training Plan is established correctly from the start and that it accurately reflects the training that will be provided in your workplace.

Throughout the apprenticeship, MIGAS monitors the apprentice's progress against the Training Plan, coordinates any updates or variations that are required and keeps all parties informed. If the apprentice is at risk of falling behind their planned milestones, MIGAS will work with you and the RTO to address it early.

This ongoing oversight is one of the practical ways MIGAS reduces the administrative burden on host businesses while ensuring the apprenticeship stays on track.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are looking to start your trade apprenticeship, browse current opportunities on the MIGAS Jobs Board or register your details to be alerted when new opportunities are added that match your interests.

If your business is looking to hire an apprentice or trainee under a Group Training arrangement with MIGAS, contact us with your requirements to find our more about our employment services.