Common use of TRAINING AND RELATED MATTERS Clause in Contracts

TRAINING AND RELATED MATTERS. Apprentices (a) The Parties recognise that in order to increase the efficiency and productivity of the Employer, a significant commitment to structured training and skill development is required. They also recognise the importance of the apprenticeship system to the construction industry. Therefore, the Parties agree: (i) if the Employer employs five (5) or more tradespersons in any one classification it undertakes to employ an apprentice(s) or make arrangements to host an apprentice from an agreed accredited group apprenticeship scheme. (ii) if the Employer does not currently have an apprentice as provided for in paragraph (a), reasonable time and consideration of operational requirements shall be allowed to enable the Employer to comply with this clause. Further, the Parties acknowledge that there is currently a shortage of available apprentices and are committed to improving the ratio and completion rates of apprentices in the industry. (iii) all apprentices must attend their official off-site apprenticeship training at a RTO that is acceptable to the apprentice and the Employer. The preferred RTOs are the established TAFE college network, the CFMEU Education and Training Unit, RTOs run by employer associations. Private RTOs may be used following consultation between the Parties. (iv) the Employer is committed to 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. (v) the Employer will actively encourage Employees to seek formal recognition of their skills (i.e. recognition of prior learning). (vi) the Employer will use agreed accredited training providers to provide training as contemplated by this clause to Employees. (vii) the Parties will consult on the development of training programs that are consistent with the following requirements: (A) training provided will be consistent with the Employer’s business requirements, relevant to the work of the Employees, consistent with the skills development of each Employee and with applicable national competency standards. (B) training may be taken either on or off the job with all reasonable steps being taken to conduct training in normal working hours. (C) if an approved training activity is undertaken during ordinary working hours, the Employee/s concerned shall not suffer any loss of pay. (D) approved training activities undertaken outside of ordinary hours will be paid at single time or may, with the consent of the Employer, 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 Employer. (E) training costs of courses approved by the Employer will be met by the Employer (e.g. White Card). (F) the Employer will not be asked to meet the costs of training undertaken by Employees which was not approved by the Employer. (G) leave of absence granted pursuant to this clause shall count as service for all purposes of the Award and this Agreement.