At Swinburne, we’ve been delivering market-leading vocational courses for over 100 years. They’ve been our nuts and bolts and are still part of our core offering. 

Our specialist staff provide current employers with expert advice, guidance and mentoring help for apprenticeships and traineeships. They also conduct site visits to meet your needs.

Throughout the year, our teaching staff will keep you up to date on the progress of your apprentices and trainees and are available to discuss any issues or concerns that may arise. 

Our success has not only come from our high standard of graduates, but in the relationships we’ve formed within the industry.

Did you know apprentice or trainee employers could be eligible for a wage subsidy?

To assist with Australia’s economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19, the Australian Government is providing a Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy to support employers who engage a new apprentice or trainee.

Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the commencing or recommencing apprentice or trainee’s gross wage paid for a 12-month period from the date of commencement, to a maximum of $7000 per quarter.

Learn more

Benefits of partnering with Swinburne

Here are some reasons to choose Swinburne as your trusted training partner.  

Specialist staff

We have dedicated Apprenticeship Officers (AOs) to provide expert advice and guidance on the management of apprenticeships and traineeships. 

On-going support

Our teaching staff will regularly keep you up to date on the progress of your apprentice or trainee. They also make themselves available to discuss any issues or concerns.  

Events

We regularly hold events where you can get to know the trade teachers, tour the campuses and get your questions answered. 

Student services

Students feel supported at Swinburne. Services include help and advice for accessibility, finance, health and wellbeing, accommodation, childcare and more. 

Are you aware of Swinburne's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements?

Apprentices and trainees are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) every day. We care about safety, so if PPE isn’t being worn, they will not be able to access their classes. 

View our PPE guide

How do apprenticeships and traineeships differ for employers?

Although apprenticeships and traineeships are often used interchangeably, they are very different.  

Apprenticeships are usually trade based and are typically three to four years in length.  

Apprenticeships also combine paid on-the-job training with class-based instruction. You may also employ your apprentice part-time or full-time or even share an apprentice with another business. 

Traineeships are usually one to two years in length and offer those who are already in non-trade related areas an opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge.  

A Swinburne traineeship combines employment with formal training, delivered either on campus or in the workplace. 

Ready to get started?

An apprentice or trainee can be a student or school-leaver, a person re-entering the workforce or an adult worker simply wishing to change careers. 

Some of the ways to find an apprentice or trainee include: 

Once you employ your apprentice or trainee, register them with an approved Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider, arrange a training agreement and nominate Swinburne as your training provider. 

The AASN will then register your training contract on the apprenticeship database (Epsilon) and your apprentice or trainee will be allocated an Epsilon number. 

You will find useful information about employing an apprentice or trainee on the Australian Apprenticeships website. Learn about training contracts, awards, who you can employ and government incentives. 

Once Swinburne has received your apprentice or trainees’ Epsilon number you will be contacted by a Swinburne representative who will help you with the creation of a Training Plan and the enrolment process. 

Note: Your Training Plan provides detailed information on training and assessment and outlines the units your apprentice or trainee will complete during their course. 

Some government incentives can’t be claimed unless a signed Training Plan has been returned to Swinburne. So, it’s important to make this a priority. 

Help and support

To give your apprentice or trainee the best chance to succeed, it’s important to provide continuous advice and guidance.  

Here are some useful tips: 

  • Avoid simply telling them what to do. Getting them to think for themselves will keep them motivated and interested. 
  • Engage them by asking how they might approach something, hear what they have to say and provide them with feedback. 
  • Set achievable goals. 
  • Review and reinforce the things they do well. 
  • Provide feedback, whether it is positive or negative. Either congratulate or explain why it’s not the best way and show them how you would like a task to be done. 
  • Get to know them and find out what they are good at. 
  • Help them see the bigger picture by motivating them to see the benefits of their hard work. 
  • Create opportunities for growth. 
  • Create a positive and safe work environment. 
  • Don’t forget to have a laugh from time to time! 
     

Note: If you have any concerns about their performance at work or study, it is usually best to talk to them directly. We also recommend you speak with one of our Success Coaches who may be able to assist. 

Alternatively, your AASN provider can offer advice about the right course of action. 

As you would expect, fees apply to our courses. However, amounts vary and quite often the government or you as the employer can contribute. The exact amount your apprentice or trainee will have to pay will depend on:

  • the number of units they enrol into

  • the course they are studying

  • the type of student they are.

More information on fees

Financial assistance

If your apprentice or trainee has any concerns about paying fees on time, they can access help and advice from our Success Coaches. We can assist with money issues such as budgeting, loans, tax help and more.

More information on fee help and advice.  

Overdue or unpaid fees

To avoid penalties, fees must be paid by the due date on the Statement of Account and Tax Invoice, which is before the census date. Penalties for non-payment of fees include restricted access to results and possible enrolment cancellation. If fees are owing, students may not be allowed to graduate or receive academic transcripts.

If you suspect that your apprentice or trainee is unable to pay fees by the due date, get in touch with your Apprenticeship Officer as early as possible. 

Contribute to the course fees

If you would like to contribute to the course fees, you will need to provide a completed sponsorship agreement form prior to enrolment.

More information on fee sponsorship. 

To be eligible to receive an 80 per cent discount on their fees, your apprentice or trainee must present a current Health Care Card (HCC), or letter of eligibility from Centrelink.

Be sure to remind them to apply for one as soon as they are signed up.

More information on fee concession.

Swinburne's Apprenticeship Equipment & Clothing List

You will be required to bring with you to each session.

The minimum requirement for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is as follows:
  • steel cap work boots – leather uppers (no runners)
  • safety glasses with clear lenses
  • work pants or shorts (must have long pants in welding/plumbing)
  • shirt or tee shirt (No singlets)
  • gloves (plumbing).
     

You are requested to wear the appropriate clothing and safety gear on arrival each day. Should you attend without appropriate PPE you will be requested to go back to work or home and return with appropriate attire

What to bring to class:
  • ruler
  • pencil
  • pens
  • calculator
  • writing notebook
  • Personal Electronic Device (PED). A laptop or similar personal device will be required to complete class work. Your device must have wireless internet capabilities. 
     
Engineering Mechanical & Fabrication students only:
  • Full-length industrial grade overalls or industrial grade work wear (tapered sleeves in the F&M area). ote: bib and brace and short sleeves are not acceptable. (Further information will be provided on your first day).
     

Want to get in touch?

If you want to speak to one of our specialist advisers, please call the team on 1300 794 628 (option 1) or email SHQapprentices@swinburne.edu.au. 

Email us