The following Code of Conduct has been established by the Commonwealth Government, and applies to all New Apprenticeship Centres. CVGT endorses and follows the guidelines of this Code.

WHO IS THE CODE FOR?

This code applies to all New Apprenticeships Centres and their staff and represents the minimum standards to be applied in all their dealings with employers, New Apprentices and other interested persons. A Copy of this Code should be retained by the employer and the Australian Apprentice

THE AIM OF THE CODE

The aim of the Code is to ensure the delivery of high quality support service with high standards of ethical behaviour exhibited to all parties concerned.

THE CODE OF CONDUCT

Both Parties understand that there is a formal agreement to train the Australian Apprentice.This agreement is known as the Training Contract, and it sets out the legal obligations binding the employer and the Australian Apprentice.

Both Parties enter into the employment and training arrangement with a commitment to mutual respect,honesty and fairness.

Both Parties agree to determine the qualification and the compentencies that the Australian Apprentice is working to attain.

Both Parties have a clear understanding of their contractual obligations including the duration of the Training Contract.

Both Parties are clear about available dispute resolution avenues and understand what is required to terminate the Training Contract.

The Employer will:

Meet Legal Obligations

This involves:

- confirming with relevant Australian Government and State/ Territory legislation,including that relating to Australian Apprenticeship arrangements.

Provide a safe Working environment

This involves:

- providing a safe workplace,free from bullying and verbal, physical,racial and sexual abuse;

- ensuring that all occupational health and safety requirements are addressed; and

- providing an appropriate introduction to the workplace, stressing those core occupational health and safety requirements essential to workplace safety.

Support structured Training

This involves:

- providing opportunities to develop knowledge and skills;

- lodging Training Contract documentation with the relevant authorities;selecting a Registered Training Organisation and enrolling the Australian Apprentice within the timeframe determined by your State/Territory Training Authority;

- participating in the development of the training plan and providing facilities and expertise to assist in the training of the Australian Apprentice in the agreed qualification(this may include on-the-job training,supervision from competent people, mentoring,or time to undertake off-the-job training);

- ensuring that a record of training is maintained; and

- ensuring that the relevant authorities are notified on the completion of the Training Contract, or advising them in instances where the Training Contract is in danger of not being completed.

Provide supervision and support

This involves:

- providing the Australian Apprentice with a nominated workplace supervisor and could involve coaching or mentoring arrangement,especially for Australian Apprentices with little experience of work; and

- being mindful that Australian Apprentices under the age of 18 are minors, and that their parents or guardians have legal responsibility for them.

Advise Australian Apprentices of their rights and responsibilities

This involves:

- ensuring that Australian Apprentices are encouraged to raise issues and problems both in the workplace and with the Registered Training Organisation;

- advising them of entitlements such as wages,conditions etc;

- ensuring that the Australian Apprentice is aware that help and assistance are also available from the relevant State/Territory Training Authority; and

- providing comprehensive induction process for commencing Australian Apprentices to ensure that they are aware, from the time of commencement, of the proposed training program,workplace safety requirements and their rights and responsibilities.

The Australian Apprentice will:

Be aware of and make a commitment to fulfil work responsibilities

This involves:

- attending and performing work in a professional and courteous manner in accordance with the employer's requirements;

- taking care of workplace property and resources;

- respecting the rights of other Australian Apprentices and employees in the workplace;

- remembering that information obtained from the employer must be kept confidential and not disclosed without approval from the employer; and

- obtaining consent from parent or guardian, if you are less than 18 years of age

Be aware and make a commitment to fulfil training responsibilties

This involves:

- making all reasonable efforts to achieve the competencies specified in the training plan and undertaking any training and assessment required;

- participating in the development of the training plan;

- attending training sessions or supervised workplace activities and taking advantage of learning opportunities; and

- maintaining a record of training such as training record book.

For Further information and Assistance

Australian Apprenticeships Centres in each State and Territory can provide further information on Australian Apprenticeships.Their contact details can be obtained by:

Calling: 1800 639 629

Or visiting: www.australia.gov.au/australianapprenticeships

State and Territory Training Authorities can also provide further information