Who do I Contact if I Need Help With My Apprenticeship?

If you need help with your apprenticeship or traineeship in Australia, the right organisation to contact will depend on the type of help you need. If you have lost your job, want to change employers, or need general advice about your apprenticeship, your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) should usually be your initial point of contact.

An ACAP is a government-funded service for apprentices and trainees, separate from your employer or Group Training Organisation. It’s free to use and exists to help with the practical side of an apprenticeship. Every apprentice has an ACAP which is outlined in your Training Contract. 

If you are employed by a Group Training Organisation (GTO) and require assistance on matters relating to your apprenticeship, you can contact your field officer for support in the first instance.

For other common situations, refer to the following details on who to contact in which circumstance.

I don’t have an apprenticeship yet, and I am looking for information

If you’re thinking about starting an apprenticeship or traineeship and want to understand how it all works, visit the Australian Apprenticeships website for information about becoming an apprentice and what’s involved. Our FAQ on how to find an apprenticeship may also be of help.

If you would like personalised advice, contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) in your state or territory. An ACAP can provide free information and support to help you understand your apprenticeship options and how to get started.

Visit Australian Apprenticeships to learn more and find an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider near you.

I’m a 1st/2nd/3rd or 4th year apprentice and I’ve lost my job

If your employment has ended and you want to continue your apprenticeship with another employer, contact your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP).

Your ACAP can provide advice about your apprenticeship and may be able to help you find a new employer so you can continue your training. If you don’t know who your ACAP is, check your Training Contract or contact Skilling Australia on 1800 020 108.

Some State and Territory Training Authorities offer out-of-trade apprentices with assistance, such as Trade Apprentices in Queensland and the AEN’s Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees Program in Victoria. Your ACAP can advise if a similar service is available in your state.

I want to change employers or make changes to my apprenticeship

Contact your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider if you:

• Want to change employers
• Want to cancel your apprenticeship
• Need help finding another employer
• Want to change your qualification
• Have general questions about your apprenticeship
• Need advice about the support available to you

Your ACAP provides free support throughout your apprenticeship and can help you understand the appropriate next steps.

If you don’t know who your ACAP is, call Skilling Australia on 1800 020 108.

I have an issue with my Training Contract

Contact your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider in the first instance if you need assistance with:

• Your Training Contract
• Suspending or cancelling an apprenticeship
• Disputes or issues relating to your apprenticeship arrangements
• Lodging a complaint relating to the administration of your apprenticeship

Your local State or Territory Training Authority is responsible for registering and administering apprenticeship and traineeship Training Contracts, and can also be contacted for assistance if you are unable to resolve matters through your ACAP. 

I have concerns about my off-the-job training

If your concern relates to your formal study or off-the-job training, contact your Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This may be a TAFE or another registered training provider.

Speak with your teacher, trainer, apprenticeship coordinator or student support team about matters such as:

• Class scheduling and attendance
• Assessments
• Training progress
• Learning support
• Concerns about the quality or delivery of your training
• Recognition of Prior Learning 

Your training provider should also have a formal complaints and appeals process if your concern cannot be resolved directly.

I have questions about my apprentice pay or entitlements

If you have questions about how much you should be paid as an apprentice or trainee, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information about workplace pay and entitlements, including:

• Apprentice and trainee pay rates
• Applicable awards and agreements
• Overtime, penalty rates and allowances
• Pay increases as you progress through your apprenticeship
• Hours of work, breaks and leave
• Payslips and other workplace entitlements

You can also use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) to check minimum pay rates and entitlements that may apply to you.

If you have a wage or superannuation discrepancy such as missing money, under payments or backpay, non-payment of off-the-job training hours, or incorrect award wages that cannot be resolved by your employer, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for assistance.  

The Fair Work Commission is the national workplace relations tribunal that deals with unfair dismissal, unlawful termination and bullying, among other workplace issues. Learn more about the Roles of the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission.

I want to know more about incentives and support payment

Australian Apprentices may be eligible for a range of financial incentives and support payments, depending on their apprenticeship, occupation and individual circumstances.

To find out what support you may be eligible for, visit the Australian Apprenticeships website for information about current incentives and financial assistance for apprentices. 

You can also contact your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider. Your ACAP can explain the incentives and support that may be available to you, check your eligibility, and assist you with making a claim.

I’m employed by a Group Training Organisation

If you are employed by a Group Training Organisation (GTO), such as MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees, contact your assigned field officer or GTO management team for assistance.

As your legal employer, the GTO provides help with issues relating to your apprenticeship and workplace training, including:

• Your host employer or workplace
• On-the-job training scope
• Supervision
• Pay issues
• Workplace safety
• Workplace concerns
• Changes to your host placement

If MIGAS is your employer, contact your MIGAS representative for assistance.