Apprentices and trainees will be better protected at work, thanks to Labor.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills and Training Gabrielle Williams announced Labor amended the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 to make apprenticeships and traineeships safer and fairer.
In 2023, Labor established the Apprenticeships Taskforce to advise government on options to strengthen protections for apprentices following a series of serious incidents.
This legislation delivers on the work of the Taskforce.
Oversight of employers with apprentice and trainees will be strengthened.
A new Apprenticeship and Traineeship Commissioner will be established within the Workforce Inspectorate Victoria to regulate and licence employers with apprentices.
Employers with an apprentice or trainee will need to apply for a licence annually.
Clear standards will be developed for employers for inductions, training, support and supervision of apprentices and trainees.
The new Commissioner will work to educate employers to understand their obligations and responsibilities.
The Commissioner will have enforcement powers, with civil and criminal penalties for more serious breaches.
The Commissioner replaces the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority when the Act comes into effect on 1 July 2028.
These reforms build on Labor’s $5.8 million investment to help people complete training and enter the workforce.
Apprentices and trainees get free counselling through Labor’s Apprentice Employee Assistance Program.
The Apprentice Helpdesk also offers advice on everything from entitlements and contracts to workplace rights.
Only Labor is backing apprentices and trainees with safer and fairer workplaces.
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills and Training Gabrielle Williams
“We listened to apprentices, trainees and unions – now we’re acting.”
“Most employers do the right thing, but we’re making sure every apprentice and trainee gets the safe workplace they deserve.”
