Making apprenticeships safer and fairer

Victoria’s apprenticeships and traineeships system will change from 1 July 2029, or an earlier date.

The changes will improve safety, fairness and support for Victorian apprentices and trainees. They will also support businesses that employ apprentices and trainees.

The changes will include:

• The body responsible for regulating apprenticeships and traineeships will change from the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority to Workforce Inspectorate Victoria.
• Workforce Inspectorate Victoria will have an expanded set of compliance and enforcement powers. They will be able to take appropriate action if there is a risk of harm to an apprentice or trainee.
• Employers will need a licence to employ an apprentice or trainee. To get a licence, employers will need to show they can provide a safe workplace and quality training.
• There will be a new set of standards for employers. These will provide clarity to employers on their role and responsibilities. This will include an additional standard for labour hire providers.
• Greater information sharing between Workforce Inspectorate Victoria and other regulators will improve how we identify and respond to risks to apprentice and trainee safety.

There will be a 5-year review of the new scheme to ensure it is operating as intended.

The need for change

The Apprenticeships Taskforce recommended these changes. The Taskforce found there is a need to improve the workplace experiences of apprentices and trainees. These improvements will support more apprentices and trainees to complete their qualifications.

To develop the changes, we consulted with:

• industry
• unions
• training providers.

Next steps

The changes are being introduced through amendments to the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 and will will start from 1 July 2029, or earlier if possible. This allows time to further consult with industry and employers and ensure they are ready for when the changes are implemented.

Stakeholders will continue to be consulted on how best to implement the changes.

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority will remain as the body responsible for regulating apprenticeships and traineeships until the changes start.

To find out more, contact Apprenticeships Victoria at apprenticeships.reform@ecodev.vic.gov.au