**BREAKING NEWS** Fee-Free Traineeships Extended to 30 June 2027. Click here to see how your business can benefit!

RPL Eligibility Check
Book A Call
e-Learning log in

How to hire a trainee in NSW. A step by step guide for employers.

Bringing a trainee into your business is a strategic move to develop talent aligned with your company’s needs.

In New South Wales, the process is structured to ensure both the employer and trainee gain maximum benefit. Here’s how you can navigate the process to hire a trainee:

Discover more about our banking services traineeships here.

trainee NSW step by step guide on how to hire a trainee

Step 1: Identify the right role for a trainee

Taking on a trainee can be a rewarding and strategic move, particularly if you’re looking to build long-term capability within your team. Trainees are employed under a formal contract and complete a nationally recognised qualification while gaining hands-on experience in your business. In NSW, many of these training costs are subsidised or covered entirely, making it a more accessible option for employers.

Step 2: Find a suitable trainee

You can recruit a trainee through various channels:

  • Direct Recruitment: Advertise the position on job boards or your company website.
  • Group Training Organisations (GTOs): These organisations employ trainees and place them with host employers, handling administrative responsibilities. You can find out more about GTO’s here

NSW Government – Group Training Organisations (GTO)

The NSW Government offers an official portal detailing how GTOs function, their benefits, and how they can assist your business. It explains the role of GTOs in employing apprentices and trainees, placing them with host employers, and managing administrative responsibilities. This site is ideal for employers looking to understand the GTO model and its advantages. Click here to find out How Group Training Organisations can help

Step 3: Choose a registered training organisation (RTO)

Select an RTO that offers the qualification relevant to your trainee’s role. The RTO will provide the formal training component of the traineeship and work with you to develop a Training Plan. The RTO will also offer you and the trainee support throughout the traineeship. Contact us about traineeships here.

Here at ISM, we offer a range of qualifications as traineeships, including:

We’ll guide both you and your trainee through the process, supporting you from enrolment through to completion. Our flexible online delivery and expert trainers make it easy to integrate learning into the workday without disrupting your business.

We are here to help you build the next generation of talented team members in your business.

Step 4: Sign a training contract

A Training Contract is a legally binding agreement between you and the trainee, outlining the terms of the traineeship. An Apprentice Connect Australia Provider or a Group Training Organisation will assist in completing and lodging this contract with Training Services NSW for approval.

Banking trainee NSW qualification hiring a trainee

Step 5: Develop a training plan

Guided by with our team here at ISM (or the engaged RTO) yourself and the trainee, create a Training Plan detailing the skills to be acquired, training methods, and assessment timelines. This plan ensures structured learning and progress tracking throughout the traineeship.

Step 6: Provide on the job training and support

Guided by with our team here at ISM (or the engaged RTO) yourself and the trainee, create a Training Plan detailing the skills to be acquired, training methods, and assessment timelines. This plan ensures structured learning and progress tracking throughout the traineeship.

Step 7: Provide on the job training and support

As an employer, you’re responsible through the traineeship for:

  • Offering a safe and supportive work environment.
  • Providing practical training aligned with the Training Plan.
  • Allowing paid time off for the trainee to attend formal training sessions.
  • Regularly reviewing the trainee’s progress and providing feedback.

For detailed responsibilities, refer to the NSW Government’s coaching and supervising guidelines

Step 8: Completion of the traineeship

Upon successful completion of the Training Plan and demonstration of required competencies, the RTO will issue a qualification to the trainee. Training Services NSW will then provide a Certificate of Proficiency, marking the official completion of the traineeship.

Benefits of hiring a trainee

  • Skill Development: Train individuals in specific skills tailored to your business needs.
  • Fresh Perspectives: Trainees can bring new ideas and approaches to your operations.
  • Government Incentives: Eligible employers may access financial incentives, such as payroll tax rebates and fee-free training programs.
  • Workforce Planning: Develop a pipeline of skilled employees ready to take on future roles within your organisation.

For information on available incentives, visit the NSW Government’s funding and support page.

Hiring a trainee in NSW is not only a practical way to build capability within your business, but it’s also easier than you might think. With clear steps, structured support, and government backed incentives, you’re never going it alone. From identifying the right role and finding the right person, to developing a training plan and watching your new team member grow, the process is supported at every stage.

At ISM, we make it simple. As your Registered Training Organisation, we take care of the formal training component, help you develop a plan that works for your business, and provide ongoing support to ensure the experience is valuable for both you and your trainee.

If you’re a small business looking to bring in fresh energy or a larger organisation planning for the future, traineeships offer a low risk, high reward opportunity to invest in talent, build loyalty, and strengthen your team. If you’re ready to explore how a trainee could fit into your business, we’re here to guide you through the next step. Contact us to get started today.

Scroll to Top