A guide to apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW

9.3 Variations to the training contract or training plan
The employer and apprentice/trainee can apply to have their training contract or training plan varied, providing that
there is agreement between the parties. Variations to the training contract may include requests for:
• an amendment to the term of the contract
• changes to the type of apprenticeship/traineeship
• a different qualification
• a change to the type of employment arrangement
Variations to the training plan may include requests for:
• a different RTO
• a different type of training delivery
Where a variation to the training plan is sought, the application must be endorsed by the relevant RTO.
Applications for variation of the training contract or training plan will be dealt with by State Training Services (ph 13 28
11) or, in some cases, referred to the Vocational Training Tribunal (VTT).
Any request to vary a training contract or training plan should be undertaken in conjunction with
the employer’s nominated Australian Apprenticeships Centre as changes may impact on the
employer or learner’s eligibility for incentives from the Australian Government.
The request needs to be made in writing and signed by all parties. The Australian Apprenticeships
Centre will then forward the request to State Training Services.
9.3.1 Request for an amended term
An application to amend the term of the training contract may be made if the parties want to extend the term (because
the apprentice or trainee will not attain the relevant competencies before the expected completion date of the contract)
or reduce the term (because the parties believe that the apprentice/trainee has attained all the relevant competencies
before the expected completion date of the contract).
Applications for variations to the term of the contract must be submitted to State Training Services before the expected
completion date. The applications should specify the reason(s) for the request. Where competency-based (or early)
completion is being sought, a copy of the qualification issued by the RTO to the apprentice or trainee should be
attached.
Requests for a reduced term of training (because the apprentice/trainee has already undertaken previous study or has
relevant experience) should generally be made at the time the training contract is first prepared and submitted through
the AAC. However it may not be practical to request a reduced term until the RTO has assessed the apprentice’s
or trainee’s existing skills and granted RPL or RCC as part of the process of developing a full training plan. In these
instances, if the parties agree, a request to reduce the term of training may be made after the training contract has
been lodged and approved.
9.3.2 Request for changes to the type of apprenticeship/traineeship
In NSW there are two types of apprenticeships: full apprenticeships and trainee apprenticeships. Trainee
apprenticeships are only available where there is appropriate industrial coverage. Currently some apprenticeships in
the building and construction and furnishing trades can be undertaken as trainee apprenticeships.
There are also two types of traineeships: new entrant traineeships (where the training costs are paid by NSW DET)
and existing worker traineeships, where the employer meets the training costs (although employers of existing worker
trainees may be eligible for Australian Government incentives).
An application for a change to the type of apprenticeship or traineeship can only be approved if the parties can
demonstrate that there is a good reason for the request and the eligibility requirements are met.
Complete guide to apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW last updated 13 December 2010
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