LJ and the Apprentice Helpdesk team answer the calls

Every day LJ dons a headset and answers calls for the Apprentice Helpdesk.

The helpdesk is a phone and online service dedicated to supporting apprentices and trainees – and anyone in their orbit.

‘Apprentices, trainees, their parents or carers, loved ones, relatives, family members, cousins, aunties, you name it,’ LJ said. Employers and job seekers are also frequent callers.

The helpdesk has proven to be popular in its first year of operation. It’s supported more than 3,000 callers since it launched in June 2025.

LJ said the key to the helpdesk’s success was the ability to provide answers to specific queries quickly and easily.

‘There’s lots of information out there but sometimes it can be hard to source the specific information you’re looking for.

‘When an apprentice calls, they can be specific on what trade they're doing and what level they are in their apprenticeship. They are able to seek out that advice quite quickly,’ LJ said.

Many of the apprentices LJ speaks to are young people and their apprenticeship is their first experience of the workplace. They call the helpdesk looking for clarity about wages and entitlements, working conditions or how to manage their training contract.

The work LJ does can have a real impact on an apprentice’s life. Recently, LJ received a call from an apprentice who had lost their job and didn’t know what to do next.

‘I was able to set them up with all the supports they needed, like the Retrenched Apprentice and Trainees Program. They were able to then continue their apprenticeship,’ LJ said.

It doesn’t matter how big or how small the issue is, LJ and the Apprentice Helpdesk team are here to help.

‘I feel like that's the rewarding part, is that the apprentice doesn't leave confused. They know where to go next after contacting us,’ LJ said.

The Apprentice Helpdesk is available from 9.00 pm to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

Contact 1300 311 820 or apprenticehelpdesk@djsir.vic.gov.au.

You can also submit an enquiry on the Apprentice Helpdesk website.