Host A PEER Apprentice

Group Training is an employment and training arrangement whereby PEER employs apprentices under an Apprenticeship Training Contract and places them with Host Employers. PEER undertakes the employer responsibilities for the quality and continuity of the apprentices’ employment and training. PEER also manages the additional care and support necessary to achieve the successful completion of the Training Contract.

Yes. If you calculate all the hidden costs of employing an apprentice or trainee (including your time and effort) and the experience and expertise PEER staff bring to the recruitment and ongoing management process, then you’ll find group training delivers value for money.

• You save in recruitment costs, as we provide the placement free of charge
• PEER selects the right fit for your team and your business needs
• You only pay wages at applicable award rates and do not pay annual leave, leave loading, sick leave, workers compensation or payroll tax
• You benefit from industry-standard trade training
• PEER partner with you to ensure you achieve maximum performance.

Any business operating in the Plumbing, Electrical, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Data & Voice Communication trades can host a PEER Apprentice.

PEER specialises in the Plumbing, Electrical, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Data & Voice Communication industries.

Apprenticeships are based on a competency model, so once all on-the-job and off-the-job benchmarks have been achieved, early completion is possible. The expected duration is 4 years.

PEER is a Registered Training Organisation, the training is delivered by our trainers who are qualified tradespeople with industry current skills and knowledge.

An Apprentice Trainee Supervisor supports and mentors each apprentice throughout their four-year apprenticeship.

They visit the apprentices at least every eight weeks, providing a one-stop pastoral care service.

eProfiling provides important data about the work performed by an apprentice under their training plan. PEER uses this tool to identify and track an apprentice’s progression and achievement of competency through on the-job application of knowledge and skills.

It is important to look at the bigger picture around training our youth and realise that if we train today we all prosper in the future. Patience and care is essential as you impart your knowledge onto them.

As a host employer it is your responsibility to:

• Treat the apprentice as though they are one of your employees, by providing a safe working environment and ensure safe work practices are adhered to in the workplace
• Define the jobs, tasks and roles the apprentice will do, keeping in mind the training needs and supervision required
• Ensure the supervising staff have the right skills to manage the apprentice
• Communicate well and develop a rapport with the apprentice
• Give the apprentice the opportunity to try new things and progress their skills
• Allow time for the apprentice to practice new skills. Expect mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes
• Motivate, watch, coach, praise and ask questions
• Take a personal interest in the apprentice’s development
• Pay invoices promptly
• Communicate with us promptly should any issues arise
• Verify apprentice profiling cards

Where possible, PEER will provide you with the apprentice of your choice. If the apprentice is already committed to another host for a period of time, we will endeavour to provide you with an apprentice with equivalent skills and abilities.

Yes, PEER will pass incentive payments to host employers as a reduction, calculated on the on-cost hourly rate.

PEER ensures all host employers comply with the Work Health & Safety Act and Regulations (WHS) 2012. Any non-compliance relating to the WHS Act by the host employer, may lead to the immediate withdrawal of an apprentice. A host employer must in respect of any apprentice placed with the host employer, ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, that the apprentice is safe from injury and risk to health while at work.

PEER will ensure the Apprentice has completed an ‘off-the-Job’ Workplace Employee Induction Program, and instructed in, and aware of their obligations in regard to Work Health & Safety compliance. The apprentice will be provided with a copy of PEER’s Apprentice Induction Handbook, which outlines their responsibilities and obligations in relation to the Work Health & Safety Act and Regulations (WHS) 2012.

PEER will also provide on going Work Health & Safety (WHS) training to the apprentice.

PEER will supply each apprentice with nominated safety clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). These items are in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards (refer to PEER Clothing Policy). PEER will replenish PPE as required on an ongoing basis.

A key feature of Group Training, is the emphasis on mentoring and support for apprentices and employers alike.

PEER provides hands-on support, helping to resolve any workplace issues that arise. PEER will work with you in any situation you are unhappy, towards a mutually beneficial resolution for both you and the apprentice.

If mediation does not reach a resolution, PEER will assist in resolving the matter, which may involve moving the apprentice into a more suitable business, at no cost or hassle to you. We then work with you to ensure a replacement apprentice is found.

If you sell your business, and the new owner agrees to continue employing and training your apprentice, the training contract continues under the new owner. PEER will facilitate this changeover however if you require further information, please contact us.

Part of the attraction of working with a GTO such as PEER, is that if your workload reduces, PEER will work with you to find another placement for the apprentice.

If your business requirements change and you find the apprentice is no longer needed, it is essential you communicate this with PEER as soon as possible. PEER requires a minimum of two weeks’ notice as this allows us to prepare ahead in finding an alternative placement for the apprentice.