The Fair Work Commission has handed down some new changes regarding apprentices that could affect you…
Extra costs to business are always unwelcome. But unfortunately 2015 has already seen changes to Apprentice Conditions of Employment, and they very well could affect you, and your hip pocket.
Decided by the Fair Work Commission, changes have been implemented across all industries with apprentices and apply to both new and existing apprentices for costs incurred from the 1st of January, 2015. So Professional Beauty went straight to industry association Hair & Beauty Australia (HABA) for all the deets on what these changes will mean for your salon.
Cost of training and textbooks
Employers are now required to reimburse an apprentice for the cost of all compulsory training that makes up their apprenticeship and all prescribed textbooks. Apprentices will need to be reimbursed these costs whichever is the later of;
- Within six months of the commencement of the apprenticeship, or
- Within three months of the commencement of the training at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
- Or at the relevant stage of the apprenticeship.
Employers can alternatively pay these costs directly to the RTO however HABA advises reimbursing these costs to the apprentice directly as this would also assist to minimise recouping any monies if unsatisfactory progress occurs. Employers may also choose to purchase textbooks and loan these out to apprentices rather than having to reimburse the cost of each text book.
Block release training
Where an apprentice is required to attend block release training involving an overnight stay, the employer must pay for excess travel costs incurred. This will not apply where the apprentice could attend an alternative RTO and if the attendance at the more distant RTO is not mutually agreed upon.
Excess reasonable travel costs include;
- the total costs of reasonable transportation to and from the RTO
- accommodation costs incurred while travelling (if applicable)
- reasonable expenses incurred while travelling including meals, which exceed those incurred in travelling to and from work.
Excess travel costs may be reduced if the apprentice is eligible to receive assistance under the Government apprentice assistance scheme.
Still not sure where you stand or need more info? Head to hairandbeautyaustralia.com.au.