Information for employers

Apprenticeship and traineeships at RMIT

Our apprenticeship and traineeship programs are successful because they are structured to meet the realities of today’s fast-paced employment markets. RMIT accepts new apprentices and trainees all year round and provides flexible training and education programs which are well regarded by industry. As a dual sector university, we provide students with the opportunity to undertake further study and articulate into other programs.

For more information visit the RMIT Apprenticeship and traineeship programs page.

Employing apprenticeships/traineeships

Apprentices and trainees are employed under a government-approved training contract between an employer and employee, in which the employer provides training and the apprentice/trainee learns the occupation or trade. Apprentices/trainees can be aged 15 and over and may already hold a qualification. Apprentices are usually trained for three to four years, and trainees for one to two years. Training can be developed to suit your needs. It can be on- or off-the-job, or a combination of both. After the program is completed, an apprentice/trainee gains a nationally recognised qualification.

Employers’ responsibilities

Employers are required to enrol an apprentice/trainee at a Registered Training Organisation, such as RMIT, within three months of starting work, follow the conditions set out in the Training Contact and Training Plan, and provide the following:
A quality work experience and structured training program
An induction program and information on the rights, responsibilities and support services available
Advice on the right wages and allowances
Qualified people to supervise the work
A safe and healthy workplace The employer is responsible for the student’s learning, and ensuring the student is released and exposed to the necessary range of variables:
To provide students with an experienced and dentally qualified workplace supervisor to mentor the student through their studies at RMIT
To complete the Workplace Training Record Book sections as required
To have available various ADA publications (ADAVB Standard Operational Procedures, ADA Privacy Manual etc)
To provide the student with a wide range of clinical experiences. This should occur in the workplace, but is it is encouraged that students visit other dental practices. This is to enable the student to be exposed to all specialties of dentistry to have a solid knowledge and skill in all aspects of dental assisting in regards to procedures and equipment and instrument requirements
To provide the three hours per week release ‘from normal work duties’ (general dental practice) and six hours per week for specialist practices.

The employer/supervisor must sign a letter of agreement stating that they are an appropriately qualified dental practitioner, licensed from the Department of Human Services, Victoria, and that they will supervise the student when performing all intra-oral dental radiographic procedures as an enrolled student within the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography) program offered at RMIT University.

The employer/supervisor must also be registered with the Dental Practice Board of Victoria. Not abiding by these conditions may jeopardise the student’s participation in the program.