FACT SHEET
CHANGES TO THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
2016, INCLUDING PRE-APPRENTICESHIPS IN SCHOOLS
Why are there changes to the pre-apprenticeship program?
In 2015, the Department of Training and Workforce Development reviewed the
pre-apprenticeship program to improve the governance and monitoring of the work
placement component.
Stakeholders advised that the program business rules should provide clarity around what
was expected of the work placement component.
What changes will occur for 2016?
The 2016 business rules
Key changes include the following:
 Terminology
References to a work placement component have been changed to work practice
component (Rule 2.4).

Defined on-the-job and off-the-job elements of the work practice component
The work practice component must consist of an on-the-job work placement with an
employer or a combination of off-the-job simulated work practice with an RTO and an
on-the-job work placement with an employer. If a combination occurs, the on-the-job
work placement with an employer must be no less than 50% of the total work practice
component. Note the on-the-job and off-the-job elements together will contribute to
the currently mandated 2:1 ratio of training to work practice.

Defined principles of the work practice component
Principles specify what an individual must experience during the work practice
component.

Coordination and monitoring
The RTO is required to coordinate and monitor a work practice component.
Expectations for coordination and monitoring are defined.

Specified evidence requirement
An evidence log comprising key information about each pre-apprentice’s work
practice component is to be maintained and held by the RTO for contract audit
purposes.
The revised 2016 Western Australian Pre-apprenticeship Program Business Rules are
available at vetinfonet.dtwd.wa.gov.au and will apply from 1 January 2016.
Electrotechnology Pre-apprenticeship 2016
In 2015, the UEE22011 Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
pre-apprenticeship pathway (WC20) did not align with the UEE11 training package
packaging rules which was a requirement of the 2015 business rules.
Units of competency have been selected that align with the packaging rules. The
pathway now comprises six core units and seven mandated electives.
Pathway Codes
All 2016 pre-apprenticeships have new pathway codes to enable effective governance of
the changes to the 2016 business rules and the Electrotechnology pre-apprenticeship.
Where can I get further information?
If you have queries relating to:
 the review and the business rules, please contact Apprenticeship and Traineeship
Policy on (08) 6551 5520 or apprenticeshippolicy@dtwd.wa.gov.au;
 funding,
please
contact
Training
Resource
Allocation
at
training.markets@dtwd.wa.gov.au; and
 pre-apprenticeship curriculum, please contact Training Curriculum Services on
(08) 6212 9767.