Apprenticeship Support Officers

Apprenticeship Support Officers (ASOs) help apprentices – and their employers – get the most out of the apprenticeship system. ASOs are located across Victoria and offer a free and confidential support and advice service. This means you can get help with the kind of workplace, training or personal issues that sometimes affect apprentices.

How can Apprenticeship Support Officers help you?

Apprenticeship Support Officers (ASOs) will usually get in contact around the start of your apprenticeship. They’ll tell you about their service and check how things are going. Apprentices and employers can also get in touch at any time during the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship Support Officers

ASOs are very experienced and highly knowledgeable about the apprenticeship system in Victoria. Depending on your situation, they can offer support and advice via phone, email or text, a workplace visit or a longer period of contact if needed.

Here are some of the issues ASOs can help with:

  • Wages, entitlements, incentives and superannuation obligations.
  • Training contract obligations, including release for training.
  • Adequate supervision of apprentices and safety concerns.
  • Tackling bullying/discrimination/harassment in the workplace.
  • Schooling issues, such as enrolment, falling behind and finding learning support.
  • Financial issues, such as being unable to pay tuition fees.
  • Accessing relevant specialised support services, for example, disability resources.
  • Being placed on long periods of ‘downtime’ or losing your job.
  • Officially completing the apprenticeship and applying for a Trade Paper.

ASOs can help if you need someone to talk to about your apprenticeship, if you want to check if something in the workplace is OK; or when you’re just not sure who can help.

They can link apprentices with other relevant service providers too. And connect people with learner support, employment services, financial counselling and local health services – including drug and alcohol support and mental health support.

To connect with an Apprenticeship Support Officer, call the ASO Hotline on 1300 311 820, or email: apprenticeship.support.case@ecodev.vic.gov.au. If you engage with the ASO program, your information will be handled according to our privacy collection notice.

Updated

Back to top