Master Electricians are pleased to announce that the mentoring contract Apprentice that has been in place for the last year has been extended by the Department of 
Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education for a further 12 months.
This is good news for Master Electricians members who can access the ApprenticeConnect service completely free of charge for a further 12 months for a first or second year electrical apprentice thanks to Federal Government funding subsidising this service.
The funding enables members to access the ApprenticeConnect program for 12 months at no additional cost. On completion of the 12 months, the member can continue to receive ApprenticeConnect services on a ‘fee for service’ arrangement.
ApprenticeConnect is an apprenticeship management and mentoring service that employers (members and non-members) can engage for the duration of the apprenticeship. The extension will also allow for the mentoring services to be rolled out in Western Australia which MEA WA State Manager Anthony Mancini says will provide an excellent opportunity for the growing membership to build their businesses.
“Finding information about employing an apprentice can be confusing or daunting so we can now provide accurate and up-to-date information or point members in the right direction.
“It is anticipated the mentoring services in WA will commence in July 2013. Having the funding to provide dedicated mentors who can meet with members and apprentices in person or over the phone will help develop staff easily and cost effectively,” Mr Mancini said.
Over 270 apprentices have been engaged in the scheme and benefited from the support provided by our Apprenticeship Mentors over the last 12 months and it is expected that this number will significantly increase as the services are rolled out in Western Australia.
Services are tailored to the needs of each individual employer and apprentice. Employers and apprentices are assigned their own Apprenticeship Mentor for the duration of the apprenticeship.
The ApprenticeConnect service can include all of the below services, or a combination of services to suit the requirements of each individual apprenticeship.
Recruitment
Advertising and shortlisting of candidates; testing and initial interview and recommendation to employer of suitable candidate for direct interviews.
Sign up process
When an apprentice has been selected, there are several sign up processes that must take place to register the apprentice and employer as having an apprenticeship relationship. These processes also allow for training to commence and incentives to be assessed.
The sign up includes facilitating the Australian Apprenticeship Centre (AAC) induction and completion of the Training Contract; registration with eProfiling (online training record / log book) and facilitating a Training Plan with the Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Visits
Both the employer and apprentice will be visited on a regular basis. Visits are more frequent in the 1st and 2nd year as there are more demands upon the apprentice and employer. During visits, topics such as off-the-job progression, supervision, tool allowance and incentives are discussed.
The employer and apprentice can contact the ApprenticeConnect Australia team at any time should they require any further assistance throughout the apprenticeship.