FAQ
Q. Why use FutureStaff?
Since 1989 FutureStaff has assisted hundreds of organisations Australia-wide to educate, host trainees and recruit the people they want, ranging from senior executives to managers and positions in administration.
FutureStaff is part of the Mentor Education Group, with over 35 experienced staff located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Tasmania, you be assured that we have the capability to meet your needs. We are able to provide you with the very best experience and service - fast, professionally and hassle-free.
Q. Our financial services industry capability?
Since 1989, FutureStaff has been the peak body in the provision of motivated, educated and job ready people to great employers in the financial services industry. With offices and training facilities in all major mainland cities or we can tailor a solution, we are well positioned to deliver a total HR service anywhere in Australia.
Our high level of employer, job seeker and student satisfaction is attributed to our commitment to the delivery of quality financial services courses, trainee staff and recruitment.
FutureStaff, as part of the Mentor Education Group, has grown to become Australia’s leading provider of education, personnel and recruitment of people seeking to move into, or advance their careers in, profitable sectors of the financial services industry. With 25 collective years experience in the industry, there are very few financial services companies that have not been a client of ours.
Q. Why the financial planning and the wealth management sector is booming?
There is a skills shortage in the financial planning industry - financial planners, advisers, para-planners and technical experts are in high demand highlighted by the number of new applicants enrolling at RG146 / PS146 training companies and the overwhelming demand financial planning recruitment companies are experiencing throughout Australia.
Candidates with a strong drive to learn, develop their career and build a business are highly sought after. In particular, quality candidates should possess:
- Drive – Positive attitude with passion, enthusiasm and energy;
- Career – Smart candidate with clear goals and history of success;
- Learning - Open to new ideas with ability and desire to learn; and
- Business Acumen – Learned ideally from running a business (in any industry).
Strong future employment growth is predicted to 2011, with financial advice considered to be in the top 10% of all employment categories (Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, Australia 2006).
Q. Our credit union experience
FutureStaff Ltd was established in 1989 by 14 credit unions to provide affordable education exclusively for the credit union sector.
For nearly 20 years, FutureStaff has been a key supplier of services to the Australian Credit Union Movement and other financial institutions. Today, FutureStaff is part of the Mentor Education Group, offering credit unions a total HR solution, including education, personnel and recruitment services.
With offices and venues located in all capital cities, FutureStaff offers credit unions breadth of services, Australia-wide coverage and un-paralleled industry knowledge.
When Can I Start?
You can start a Traineeship at any time of the year and traineeships are open to people of all ages whether you are entering the workforce or are currently with occupation.
What Training will I get and who will provide it?
FutureStaff is a Registered Training Organisation and will be delivering the flexible work based-training component of your Traineeship. A FutureStaff Accredited workplace Assessor will be monitoring your work based learning progress. If you are enrolled in your Traineeship as a FutureStaff Group Training Organisation employed Trainee, FutureStaff will conduct regular quarterly onsite visits with the Trainee and the Host-Trainer during the Traineeship. Upon completion the trainee will be awarded an accredited qualification which is recognised nationally. Further higher study can be completed post Traineeship and used for University entry. It is however at the Universities discretion as to the amount of recognition you will be awarded.
What is the salary?
The minimum wage is based on the National Training Wage Award and will depend on the year that you have left school or the number of years since you have been out of school. For trainees that are older, wages will depend on experience and skills and will be negotiated between you and your Host Employer. Once you have successfully completed your traineeship and receive your qualification and Certificate of Proficiency you are qualified in your chosen field and are therefore entitled to be paid at the full rate under the appropriate industrial arrangement. Upon signing of your Traineeship contract you will be advised by the Australian Apprenticeship Centre of any fee or travel concessions that you may be eligible for.
How long will it take?
| Qualification Level | Traineeship | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate III | Financial Services | 24 Months |
| Business or Business Administration | 12 Months | |
| Certificate IV | Financial Services | 24 Months |
| Business or Business Administration | 12 Months |
*Traineeships in Queensland and Victoria are 2 years and 18 months for Certificate III but can be fast tracked to 1 year if trainee and employer are in agreement. SA can be fast tracked to 18 months. These time measurements vary across states and are subject to change.
What am I expected to know before I start?
No prior knowledge or industry experience is required for the Certificate III qualification. You must however have completed a minimum Yr 10 School Certificate.
What is expected of the trainee?
- Undertake on the job training and complete all the relevant subjects
- Punctuality at all times
- Attendance at work 5 x days per week (Hours of work can vary depending of Host/Client requirements)
- Total commitment to the traineeship for the duration of the traineeship
- Positive attitude
- Dedicated and enthusiastic approach to the workplace
Who supplies the learning materials?
FutureStaff will supply the Trainee with learning materials at no cost. FutureStaff has a Resources Library which loan books to Trainees upon request to assist with assignment work. Self Development workbooks will also be loaned to Trainees for extra Training.
What are the costs involved?
There is a Department of Education or State Training Authority imposed enrolment fee for all trainees and it varies from State to State. The fee can be calculated and discussed prior to enrolment with your FutureStaff Training Coordinator. As an example the 2008 NSW fee is $394 per annum and is repaid over a mutually negotiated number of pay periods.
How many hours will I work?
The standard working week for all full time Certificate III Trainees is 38hours/week. Your host employer will allow you to spend 20% of the time in structured training. This includes on the job supervision and mentoring and workbook training. However an average of 3 hours per week over each 4 week period must be spent away from routine work duties to work through the traineeship qualification coursework. Hours of work may vary slightly according to the Traineeship and the needs of the Host-Trainer. Negotiated overtime or weekend work may also be required by some employers. Pro rata arrangements apply for part-time employees.
About FutureStaff
FutureStaff has been supporting the Finance Industry for over 18 years. We are the only Registered Training Organisation (RTO) & Group Training Company (GTC) that specialises solely in Financial Services and we currently have over 1,000 trainees in NSW, Vic, SA, WA, and Qld. Our clients who host or employ our trainees include Banks, Credit Unions, Building Societies, Financial Planning Practices, Insurance Companies, Law Courts, a variety of business houses and many more.