Employer Best Practice Guide for Apprenticeships in Furnishing

Designed specifically for the furnishing industry, the Guide provides practical advice, tools and resources that employers can use in the workplace — from recruiting and inducting an apprentice through to supervision, training, wellbeing, retention and successful completion.

What you’ll find in the Guide

The Guide covers the entire apprenticeship journey, with practical information across five key areas:

Understanding Apprenticeships

Understand the apprenticeship and VET system, employer and supervisor responsibilities, training plans, competency-based progression, legal and compliance obligations and how to work effectively with your Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Recruitment, Induction & Probation

Practical guidance to help you find the right apprentice, establish expectations from day one, deliver an effective induction and make the most of the probation period.

Supervision, Mentoring & Support

Learn how effective supervision, communication and mentoring can help apprentices build their skills, confidence and independence while supporting engagement and retention.

The Guide also provides practical advice for identifying when an apprentice may need additional support and creating an inclusive workplace for apprentices with different backgrounds and learning needs.

Becoming an Employer of Choice

Explore practical ways to create a workplace where apprentices and employees want to join, stay and grow.

The Guide covers workplace culture, career development, recognition, communication, work-life balance, mentoring, safety and other practices that can contribute to stronger employee engagement and retention.

Practical Tools & Resources

The Guide includes ready-to-use information and templates, including:

• apprenticeship sign-up information
• probation period guidance
• training plan requirements
• apprenticeship completion information
• training contract extension information
• induction checklist
• apprentice probation evaluation form
• reflection and growth planning tools
• apprentice wellbeing check-ins
• useful contacts and support services.

Why good apprenticeship practices matter

Successful apprenticeships rely on more than formal training.

Employers and supervisors have an important role in providing apprentices with the practical experience, guidance, supervision and encouragement they need to develop into confident and capable tradespeople.

Creating a supportive learning environment, maintaining strong communication with your apprentice and RTO, providing opportunities to practise the skills within the training plan and addressing challenges early can all contribute to a stronger apprenticeship experience.

By investing in apprentices today, businesses are also helping develop the skilled workforce our industry will depend on into the future.

Developed for industry, with industry

The Employer Best Practice Guide for Apprenticeships in Furnishing was developed by Skills Insight and FurnishingWorks, part of ForestWorks, following consultation with employers and stakeholders across the furnishing industry.

The Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA) was a Project Delivery Partner, working with the project team to help ensure the Guide reflects the practical realities of employing, training and supporting apprentices within the furnishing industry.

The Guide has been approved by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Put best practice into practice

Whether you’re considering employing your first apprentice, currently supervising an apprentice or looking to improve the way apprentices are supported across your business, the Guide provides practical information you can refer to throughout the apprenticeship journey.