Employers

The Role of a Sponsor

In order for individual to become an apprentice they must have an employer willing to sponsor them. Both the apprentice and the sponsor must register with the Industry Training Authority. It should be noted that a sponsor is not required to sponsor the apprentice for the entire training period. It could be that the initial sponsor does not have the work available that will cover the complete scope of the training in that particular automotive trade.

The responsibilities of the employer include:

1. Registering with the ITA (there is one form that both the sponsor and apprentice complete) and updating the ITA with contact information should it change
2. Ensuring that the apprentice is provided with a safe environment, with the proper equipment available, and with proper supervision by a certified tradesperson or equivalent
3. Tracking and reporting the apprentice's work-based training hours to the ITA
4. Reviewing an apprentice's progress, ensuring that all ITA documentation is correct and that discrepancies are reported promptly to the ITA
5. Releasing the apprentice for the annual technical training period (usually 4 to 6 weeks in a block each year of the apprenticeship)
6. Recommending an apprentice for certification once the requirements are met and the required competencies as outline in the program have been verified.

Employers have a key role in supporting the apprenticeship system. The availability of skilled workers depends on this system and it is the willingness to hire and train apprentices that will maintain it.

Registration

Once you're ready to hire an apprentice at your organization, you'll need to ensure you are registered with the Industry Training Authority, and have been issued an employer identification number. If you are not already registered, you will become registered when you and your apprentice submit your Apprentice and Sponsor Registration Form.

ITA Customer Service can answer questions regarding requirements for employers wishing to hire apprentices, and provide information regarding completion requirements for specific apprenticeships. More information is also available in our Sponsor Guide.

Important Note

Once an apprenticeship is in place, the apprentice should be encouraged to register immediately for the first of the in-school training sessions. This will ensure that the desired class is not filled to capacity, and that the time away from the shop can be coordinated with the employer well in advance. Upon completion of each level's in-school technical training, the apprentice should again register immediately for the next session.