New apprenticeships: Consider the possibilities - Memorandum

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This publication remains current but needs to be read taking into account the repeal of the old Act and the proclamation of the new Act

Temporary employment provisions of the Public Service Act

The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify appropriate arrangements for use of the temporary employment provisions of the Public Service Act 1922 (the Act) when engaging staff under the New Apprenticeships initiative.

The PSMPC's publication New Apprenticeships which provides agencies with an overview of the New Apprenticeships system and opportunities within the APS was distributed to COMNET members in July 1998. Copies were forwarded also to all Heads of Departments and Agencies and the publication is available also on the PSMPC Homepage.

The publication includes information on employing a New Apprentice in the APS and notes (page 21) that:

"Agencies have the option of setting in place New Apprenticeships on the basis of permanent appointment or to employ a new apprentice for a finite period under temporary employment provisions ie employment would cease at the end of a specified period."

New Apprenticeships is part of the program known as the Australian Public Service Apprenticeship Scheme, referred to in Public Service Regulation 122(f) being a scheme for enabling persons to gain ability for the purpose of participating in the Australian workforce. Therefore, all temporary New Apprentices should be engaged under s82AG of the Act.

The Public Service Act requires that all powers exercised in relation to the selection of employees must be exercised without patronage and favouritism. Selection arrangements for the recruitment of employees under the New Apprenticeships initiative must be consistent with these requirements.

In practice, agencies would advertise potential traineeship opportunities, with a view to establishing a register of applicants to be accessed as appropriate. Registers of applicants may be established by agencies, Commonwealth agencies acting as service providers, New Apprenticeship Centres, non-government agencies, community and professional organisations and private sector organisations. Agencies may choose to use whichever option or options are appropriate to the needs of the agency.

Enquiries should be directed, in the first instance, to the PSMPC Hotline on 02 6202 3859.

Jeff Lamond
Team Leader
Staffing, Structures and Mobility Team

November 1998