PLEASE NOTE: Frequently asked questions regarding the cessation of the Tools For Your Trade voucher initiative and the introduction of the new Tools For Your Trade payment initiative can be found here.
1. How do I activate my voucher?
You (the apprentice) or your employer can activate the voucher card by calling 1800 557 875. Have your voucher card ready and activate it through either of these two options:
a) Follow the prompts on the voice automated system (available 24/7), by pressing ‘2’ for Employers, and then ‘1’ to activate the voucher. When asked, enter your voucher number, followed by the ‘#’ key.
OR
b) Wait to speak to a customer service consultant who will activate the voucher card on your behalf (available during operating hours only).
2. My Tools For Your Trade voucher has expired, can I get the voucher date extended or have another one?
The voucher expiry date cannot be extended but, if your voucher has expired, you or your employer can call 1800 557 875 and request a replacement voucher.
Replacement vouchers are valid for only one month from the date of issue, so use it quickly.
3. How long does it take before I can use the voucher once it has been activated?
Once received in the mail, the voucher can be activated and used straight away – there is no additional waiting period before tools can be purchased.
4. Can my mum/dad or guardian speak on my behalf?
Yes, but only after the apprentice has agreed to give verbal permission to one of our customer service consultants and this has been noted down in our records.
5. I've changed employers, but have been an apprentice for more than three months. Can I get my voucher straight away?
No. If the apprentice has begun working with a new employer, the apprentice is considered to be starting again. The standard eligibility timeframe of three months applies before a new eligibility form and voucher card can be issued.
6. What do I need to do to get my voucher?
You – the apprentice – need to be an Australian Citizen in your first year of an eligible trade apprenticeship. Refer to the 'Eligibility: Do you qualify?' page for more information.
Remember, there's no application process; the Tools For Your Trade team will automatically be in touch – through your employer. Your employer needs to complete a form, which you must also sign and date, before returning it to Tools For Your Trade. If you're eligible, then your employer will receive the voucher card in the mail.
7. Why can’t I get my voucher as soon as I start my apprenticeship?
The three-month waiting period is in place to ensure you are still employed at the same workplace, after you’ve completed the standard three-month probation period usually attached to the training contract.
8. Can you send me the forms instead of my employer?
No. The Australian Government needs to send all correspondence to your employer’s address, as listed when you sign-up with your Australian Apprenticeship Centre.
This is because your employer has a responsibility to ensure you have all the forms and information you need, and that you have completed all forms correctly. It’s also because your employer must purchase the tools on your behalf (although, ideally, you should be present too).
9. When do I own the tools?
The tools belong to you once you have completed nine continuous months of your apprenticeship.
If you leave before the nine-month point of your Australian Apprenticeship, your employer keeps the tool kit.
10. Where can I buy tools?
Your employer can use the voucher card to buy tools from any of our registered tool suppliers, located throughout the country. You can search for suppliers on the Supplier Trade Search page of this website.
The choice of tool suppliers is up to you/your employer, and you can use more than one outlet to buy your tools (however you will need to obtain extra Purchase Verification Forms by calling TFYT).
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