Completion, competency based completion, trade recognition

An apprentice or trainee completes their apprenticeship or traineeship (training contract) when they

• have achieved all the competencies in their training plan
• have been awarded their qualification by their registered training organisation (RTO) and
• are considered competent by their employer.

State Training Services will then award a Certificate of Proficiency for their apprenticeship or traineeship. 

In some circumstances, trainees and apprentices can achieve a Certificate of Proficiency before the nominal completion date of their training contract. In this case they will apply for competency based completion (previously called "early completion").

Standard completion

• All traineeships and apprenticeships have a standard time allocated in which to complete all aspects of the training (the "nominal term" - see below).  
• About six weeks before the nominal completion date State Training Services will mail the employer a completion enquiry letter.
• Once the employer has verified that all workplace competencies have been achieved and the learner has been issued with a qualification certificate by the registered training organisation (RTO), the signed enquiry form can be returned to State Training Services who will issue a Proficiency Cetificate. A copy of the certificate awarded by the RTO should be included if this has not been sent previously to a State Training Services office.
• Any questions about completion of training or obtaining a certificate can be answered by a State Training Services representative, phone 13 28 11.

Defining the Nominal term

• is the standard time allocated to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship.
• is defined in the Vocational Training Order, which is the legal document that established the apprenticeship or traineeship.
• can be varied at the beginning or during the apprenticeship or traineeship eg it can be reduced as a result of previous experience or qualifications,or being fast tracked or the achievement a competence quickly.
  can be extended if training or employment has been interrupted or if more time is required to successfully complete the apprenticeship/traineeship.

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Competency based completion

Employers, apprentices and trainees can request competency based (or early) completion if

• the apprentice/trainee has completed the formal qualification as identified on the training contract through the registered training organisation, and
• the employer is able to confirm that they have demonstrated all the required competencies in the workplace.

Employers may agree to an apprentice or trainee completing prior to the 'nominal end date' of an apprenticeship or traineeship because

• they want to offer the employee the opportunity to be qualified sooner
• the employee can take on more responsibility at work, including supervising other apprentices and trainees
• they will have greater flexibility within their organisation
• they are able offer the employee promotion opportunities.

How to apply for competency based completion

State Training Services can approve a request for competency based completion when both parties to the apprenticeship or traineeship request it and when the apprentice or trainee has satisfied all the requirements of the apprenticeship or traineeship.   In particular 

• the apprentice or trainee must have completed the appropriate qualification through an approved RTO and can provide documentary evidence. This can be an official transcript of competencies achieved or a copy of the qualification and
• the employer must verify that the apprentice or trainee has achieved a level of competence at the required industry standard.

Resolving conflict

State Training Services may also consider a request for competency based completion made by one party only.   The matter may be referred to the Vocational Training Tribunal for determination if either party does not support the request. The Tribunal may seek independent industry advice about the work competence of the apprentice/trainee.

State Training Services will issue the apprentice or trainee with a Certificate of Proficiency once the request has been approved. 

Trade Recognition

Workers who have trade skills and experience but have never completed an apprenticeship or gained a formal certificate can apply to have their skills assessed and be formally recognised as a tradesperson if they have

• worked in the particular trade for generally around four years in Australia or overseas, or
• completed an apprenticeship or other trade training in Australia or overseas, or
• completed a recognised industry assessment program, or
• acquired an appropriate qualification.

To apply for trade recognition you will need to complete an application form which can be downloaded below or obtained from your nearest State Training Services office. 

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