Find important information about changes to your training contract and satisfactory completion of your contract.

Changing your training contract

If you wish to make any changes at all you must:
  • make sure your employer agrees to the change
  • and apply to make the change to Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services (TAS) by using an appropriate form.

If you and your employer agree and you’re ready to apply for changes, see changing your apprenticeship or traineeship.

If you can’t agree on a change or you feel pressured to make a change, there are processes in place to help both you and your employer, see resolving issues.

Probationary periods

A probationary period is built into every training contract as a way of allowing apprentices, trainees and their employers to withdraw from the contract if it’s not working for them. Probationary periods are generally as follows:

Term of Training Contract Probationary period
12 months 1 month
13-24 months 2 months
More than 24 months 3 months

Note – probationary periods cannot be extended.

How do you withdraw during the probationary period?

You must notify your employer in writing of your intention to withdraw.

Your employer must then notify TAS of the termination in writing within seven days. 

For a withdrawal form, see changing your apprenticeship and traineeship. 

Satisfactory completion of your training contract

Training contracts are very important documents, especially for apprentices and doubly so for apprentices in licensed trades like plumbing or carpentry.

An apprentice cannot get a trade certificate (and then a licence) unless they have done everything that is laid down in the contract.

How can a training contract be completed or finalised?
  • when all the parties agree that competency in the workplace has been achieved
  • the training organisation has certified that the qualifications specified in the training contract has been successfully completed.
You can aid your likelihood of successfully completing by:
  • doing all the on-job and off-job training stated in the contract
  • staying with the employer who is listed in the contract
  • working with the training provider who is listed in the contract.

Trainees and apprentices should understand they cannot just walk away from their training contract. If they do, they could be breaking a legal agreement.

For more information contact Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services.