NSW/ACT Apprentice PROGRAM FAQs

1. What are the rosters like?

Your roster is dependent on your position and location. As an apprentice in NSW, you can expect to work a day shift only; on a Monday – Friday roster in your first 3 years. Start times range between 6-7.30am and days are 8.5 hours in length including a 30-minute meal break. As you move into the 4th year of your Apprenticeship Program, you may be given the option to go on a roster which could encompass night and weekend work. There are a variety of roster patterns available to suit any lifestyle.

2. How do you get paid as an apprentice?

As a WesTrac Apprentice, your pay is in accordance with our Product Support Enterprise Agreement. Apprentices are paid as per the Apprentice category set out in the EA and this is determined by age and the year level you are at in your trade. Your pay is deposited fortnightly into your nominated bank account. Apprentices aren’t eligible to receive location allowance.

3. What happens once I’ve applied online?

Once you’ve applied online and met the eligibility criteria (over 16 years old and have legal working rights in Australia) you will receive an online skills test within two weeks of your application. This test can end up in your junk or spam folder so be sure to check these. You will have two weeks to complete the test from the date it was sent to you. This test assesses basic math, literacy, problem solving and logical thinking. You are able to use a calculator and should complete this on your own.

4. Will I be provided with uniforms?

Yes. You will be supplied with uniforms including boots and all PPE that is required for your role. As a WesTrac apprentice, you will also receive a laptop or tablet to complete your online training. You will have access to all of our employee benefits including Fitness Passport and discounted tool box insurance. Overalls are also laundered, free of charge, at most locations.

5. Will I be provided with training?

Yes. Depending on your trade, you will either receive your trade training through the WesTrac Institute NSW (our onsite RTO at Tomago) or through a local TAFE. You will also receive critical safety training and relevant high-risk work licences required to complete the requirements of your role during your apprenticeship.

6. When do applications open for the NSW/ACT Apprenticeship Program and are there any age limits?

In NSW/ACT, applications open around May/June for commencement in December. You must be 16 years or over at the time of commencement to be eligible.

7. Do you offer trade upgrades?

In NSW/ACT, we have more than 40 employees in our Trade Upgrade Program, which continues to grow successfully. WesTrac offers both trade upgrades and dual trade opportunities as required in NSW/ACT. When a Trade Upgrade vacancy becomes available it will be advertised on our careers website.

8. How long does the application-to-offer process take?

The application timeline is slightly different each year and varies dependent upon the number of applications. For an intake that opened in May/June, we anticipate successful candidates would receive an offer of employment by September that same year (approx. 3 months in total).

9. What happens if I am unsuccessful?

If you are unsuccessful you will be notified formally via email.

10. Does it matter if I haven’t had a job before?

You don’t need to have held employment before to be successful in obtaining an apprenticeship. If you haven’t been previously employed, you can tell us about your education, sporting pursuits and hobbies to give us some insight into you as a candidate.

11. What should I include in my application?

• The trade you are applying for and why you are interested in that specific trade
• Why you want to be an apprentice with WesTrac
• The details of two references (who are not relatives) with their phone numbers, emails and role titles
• Information around your work history, which would include role titles, dates of employment, duties performed and explanation of any periods of unemployment
• Your contact details including address
• What makes you a good candidate and what you hope to achieve in a career with WesTrac