Find important information about changes to your training contract and satisfactory completion of your contract.
Your rights and obligations under your training contract
The training contract lists a number of obligations for both you and your employer. If you do not have a copy of your training contract, you can request one by contacting your Apprenticeship Network Provider. The obligations that apply to you as the apprentice or trainee include that you will:
- Seek the agreement of your employer to make any changes to your training contract, and apply to Regulation and Contract Management to make any change.
- Try to resolve any dispute with your employer, and contact Regulation and Contract Management if you are unable to do so.
- Attend work, do your job, and follow your employer’s instructions as long as they are lawful.
- Work towards achieving the qualification listed in your training contract.
- Undertake any training and assessment listed in your training plan.
Changing your training contract
If you wish to make any changes at all you must:
- make sure your employer agrees to the change
- and apply to make the change to Regulation and Contract Management by using an appropriate form.
If you and your employer agree and you’re ready to apply for changes, see changing your apprenticeship or traineeship.
If you can’t agree on a change or you feel pressured to make a change, there are processes in place to help both you and your employer, see resolving issues.
Probationary periods
A probationary period is built into every training contract as a way of allowing apprentices, trainees and their employers to withdraw from the contract if it’s not working for them.
If you wish to withdraw, you must advise your employer in writing.
The employer must notify Regulation and Contract Management within seven days if either party withdraws during the probationary period.
Probationary periods will generally be as follows for a training contract which commences on or after 1 February 2016:
| Term of Training Contract |
Probationary period |
| Up to 24 months |
60 days |
| More than 24 months |
90 days |
Note that probationary periods vary depending on the trade or vocation, and cannot be extended.
How do you withdraw during the probationary period?
You must notify your employer in writing of your intention to withdraw.
Your employer must then notify Regulation and Contract Management of the termination in writing within seven days.
For a withdrawal form, see changing your apprenticeship and traineeship.
Trainees and apprentices should understand they cannot just walk away from their training contract. If they do, they could be breaking a legal agreement.
For more information contact Regulation and Contract Management.