To all SRAS employers

Recently the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations has advised of a change in policy regarding Apprentices signing claim forms.

Employers lodging Standard, Special and Additional Commencement, Recommencement and Completion claim forms may choose to submit alternative evidence to the Australian Apprentice's signature on the claim form, where the Australian Apprentice is not readily available to sign the claim form at the time of claiming.

In these cases the employer may provide wage evidence to cover the claim effect date rather than having the Apprentice sign the claim form.

Suitable wage evidence:

Payroll print
Time and Wages sheet
Payslip
Separation Certificate

A letter from the employer is not sufficient evidence.

The evidence needs to provide reasonable assurance that the Australian Apprentice was employed as an Australian Apprentice at the relevant effect date.

The wage evidence needs to confirm that according to the employer's records the AA was employed at the effect date of the incentive, but does not need to show the wages paid; employers may blank out this information if they wish.

Examples of situations where an Australian Apprentice is not readily available to sign the claim form include, but are not restricted to, extended leave, ceased employment after the effect date, worksite is different to the location of the employer's signatory.

Where the Australian Apprentice is readily available for signing the employer's claim form, it is expected that they will continue to sign claims forms as per the usual procedure.

If an employer elects to opt for this method we do not require a letter or similar saying that the apprentice is in a different location as it will most likely be confirmed via the workplace details on the Training Contract. If it is the same address some explanation would be required. E.g. Night shift, interstate truck driver, etc…. needs to be submitted with the claim form from the employer.

If you have any questions or concerns with these changes please don't hesitate to let me know.