How Do I Get Involved?
Before signing into a Training Agreement with your apprentice and the BCITO, a BCITO Training Advisor will need to assess your level of experience and the variety of work you can offer, to ensure you can provide a suitable training environment.
Advertise your apprenticeship vacancy on BCITO's Career Launcher to reach a targetted market of apprenticeship seekers.
Think Outside The Square - Think About Work Experience
Getting involved in work experience with a school is a good opportunity and don't forget that a trainee doesn't have to be a school leaver. They could be someone who is already working in the industry and wants to get qualified - one of your current employees may even be suitable!
Modern Apprenticeship Co-ordinators can also help - it's part of their role to recruit Modern Apprentices and match them with employers.
Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships
How An Apprenticeship Works
- A typical apprenticeship takes 3 - 4 years to complete depending on the qualification.
- During that time trainees will complete a mix of practical and theory based assessments.
- The training is self paced and there are different training options available - on site training, onsite combined with block courses or night classes, and in some cases a trainee may have completed a pre trade course which means they have completed the theory based unit standards.
- If an apprentice is doing all their training onsite, as their employer you will need to explain everything about the trade to them to make sure they have the knowledge as well as the skills and mark both their practical and theory assessments.
- The BCITO provides each apprentice with a comprehensive set of learning resources and your training advisor will provide the support you need. If a trainee is learning the theory components offsite then this may mean time away from work for block courses.
- The training option will depend on what best suits both you and your trainee and may be dependent on the trade qualification and geographical area you live in (for instance block training courses may not be available in your area.) The responsibility to initiate assessments and manage the training programme lies mainly with the training advisor and apprentice.
BCITO Support
As an employer you will be assigned a BCITO training advisor who will work with you to create a training plan for your apprentice and visit 3 times in the first year and a minimum of twice in subsequent years to check how things are going.Training advisors have all worked in the industry so can offer valuable advice as to whether your trainee is learning the right skills and knowledge and establish if they are ready for assessment. Your training advisor will provide a written update on the trainee's progress after every visit, and they are able to provide you with support at any time during the course of the apprenticeship.
Costs
The total cost of training is between $2200 and $3000. Its up to you and your trainee to work out who will pay for the training.Many employers pay the training fees in advance and then are reimbursed by the apprentices' wages each week.
It's all about what works best for you and your team.
Available Qualifications
Check out the qualifications section of the website to see what sectors the BCITO can offer qualification in.For more information on how you can become involved in an apprenticeship please contact your local BCITO office.