Sometimes an apprenticeship isn't working out with your current employer — maybe the work has dried up, you're not getting a fair go, or you've simply found a better opportunity. The good news is that changing employers doesn't have to mean starting your apprenticeship over. Your training contract can usually be transferred so your completed time and competencies come with you. But there's a right way to do it, and getting the paperwork wrong can cost you.
This guide explains when moving makes sense, how a transfer works, and how to make the switch without burning bridges or losing progress.
Your progress can move with you
The most important thing to know: you don't lose the time and skills you've already banked. Because your apprenticeship is based on a registered training contract and competency records, a transfer to a new employer generally keeps your progress intact. You continue from where you are, not from scratch.
This only works if it's done properly through the right channels. Don't just quietly start with a new boss and hope it sorts itself out — an unregistered arrangement can leave you without a valid apprenticeship. Read apprenticeship contracts and probation explained so you understand what your contract actually is.
First, decide if moving is the right call
Changing employers is a big step. Before you jump, be honest about why. Some reasons are solid; some might be fixable where you are.
Good reasons to move:
- The business genuinely can't keep you on (not enough work).
- You're being underpaid or treated poorly and it isn't getting fixed.
- You're not getting the range of work you need to complete your qualification.
- A clearly better opportunity with proper training and support.
Before you move over pay or treatment, try to resolve it first. See talking to your boss about problems, how to ask for a pay rise as an apprentice, and if things are seriously wrong, when your apprenticeship isn't working out and your rights as an apprentice.
How a transfer actually works
The mechanics vary a little by state, but the general path is:
- Step 1: Line up a new host employer or GTO who's willing to take you on and continue your training.
- Step 2: Agree to transfer or complete the training contract with your current employer — both parties usually need to consent to a transfer.
- Step 3: Register the change with your Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider and your state training authority so a new or varied training contract is put in place.
- Step 4: Make sure your competency records and logbook are up to date and handed over so your new employer knows where you're at.
- Step 5: Confirm your TAFE/RTO enrolment continues smoothly with the new arrangement.
Your Apprenticeship Support Network provider is your best friend here — they handle a lot of this paperwork and can guide you. Australian Apprenticeships (apprenticeships.gov.au) is the starting point if you're not sure who yours is.
Consider a group training organisation
If your issue is unstable work rather than the trade itself, a group training organisation (GTO) can be a great fix. The GTO employs you and places you with host businesses, so if one host runs out of work, they find you another without breaking your apprenticeship. See how group training organisations work.
Leave the right way
How you exit matters. The trades world is small and your reputation travels — see building a reputation that follows you. Even if you're leaving on bad terms, keep it professional:
- Give reasonable notice where you can.
- Finish the jobs you're on if possible.
- Return any tools, keys and gear — see looking after company vehicles and equipment.
- Don't badmouth the old boss to the new one.
A clean exit means an old employer is more likely to sign off cleanly on your transfer and give you a reference later.
Check your pay and entitlements on the way through
When you move, make sure your pay lands correctly at your new employer — your rate should reflect your actual year and competencies, not reset. Check it against the award with the Wage Calculator and the apprentice pay guide. Confirm your final pay, any owed entitlements and your superannuation are all sorted with the old employer — read superannuation for apprentices and how to read your payslip. If something's off, the Fair Work Ombudsman (fairwork.gov.au) can help.
Finding your next role
When you're ready to line something up, browse apprenticeship jobs and keep your profile current. Tell prospective employers plainly that you're a part-way-through apprentice looking to transfer — many actively want someone with time already under their belt, since it costs them less to train.
Key takeaways
- Your completed time and competencies can transfer — you don't start over if it's done right.
- Only move through the proper channels; unregistered arrangements can cost you your apprenticeship.
- Weigh up whether the problem is fixable where you are before you jump.
- Register the transfer with your Apprenticeship Support Network provider and state authority.
- A GTO can solve unstable-work problems by moving you between hosts.
- Leave professionally, and check your pay, entitlements and super are all squared away.