TRAINING AND RELATED MATTERS The parties recognise that in order to increase the efficiency and productivity of the company a significant commitment to structured training and skill development is required. Accordingly the parties commit themselves to:
a) The parties to this Agreement recognise the importance of the apprenticeship system to the construction industry. It is agreed that every employer party to this Agreement who employs five (5) or more tradespersons in any one classification shall undertake to employ at least one (1) apprentice or make arrangements to host an apprentice from an agreed group apprenticeship scheme. Where an employer does not currently have an apprentice as per this provision, reasonable time shall be allowed to enable the employer to comply with this clause. Further, the parties are committed to a strong ratio of apprentices in the industry. Apprenticeship levels on a specific project may be discussed at the Project Pre-Commencement Conference (refer Clause 16).
b) Providing employees with the opportunity to acquire additional skills within relevant career path structures through appropriate structured training based on nationally endorsed (i.e. Construction Training Australia endorsed) competency standards and curriculum;
c) Actively encouraging employees to seek formal recognition of their skills (i.e. recognition of prior learning); and
d) Using training providers accredited and acceptable to the parties. The CFMEU, MBAV and other employer associations are legitimately engaged in providing training to industry and it is hereby agreed that all parties will properly recognise and accept the validity of nationally accredited training as provided by the other parties.
e) The parties will consult on the development of training programs which are consistent with the following: • Training provided will be consistent with the company’s business requirements, relevant to the work of the employees, consistent with the skills development of each employee and with applicable national competency standards. • Training may be taken either on or off the job with all reasonable steps being taken to conduct training in normal working hours. • If an approved training activity is undertaken during ordinary working hours, the employee/s concerned shall not suffer any loss of pay. • Approved training activities undertaken outside of ordinary hours will be paid at single time or will, at the employee’s option, be taken as time off in lieu of payment. Provided that the scheduling of time off must be consistent with the needs of the business and be by agreement with the company. • Training costs of courses approved by the company will be met by the company. • The company will not be asked to meet the costs of training undertaken by employees which was not approved by the company. • Leave of absence granted pursuant to this clause shall count as service for all purposes of the award and this agreement. • Accredited members of the union will be allowed up to 5 days per year, without loss of pay, to attend trade union educational courses conducted or approved by the union. (see appendix H)
f) The parties to this Agreement recognise the importance of the role that Apprentices/Trainees fulfill within the industry and, more importantly, a role that they will fulfill as trades persons following the conclusion of the indentures. To this end the Victorian Building Industry Consultative Committee will investigate ways of enhancing employment prospects for Apprentice/Trainees. In addition it is agreed that, where appropriate, employers will use their best endeavours to employ Apprentices/Trainees in order to ensure appropriate trade persons levels for the future.
