Whether you are training under a government training provider, a private registered training organisation or an employer, things occasionally go wrong. Perhaps you aren't getting the training you expected or there are issues with the workplace. Whatever the problem, there are people who can help, and processes to resolve it.

After reading this page, if you're really not sure what to do in relation to your complaint, call our Infoline.

Our team will talk to you and direct you to the appropriate body or organisation.

Problems with your vocational education and training

If you are not satisfied with the quality of training provided by your training provider or how it’s delivered, you should first lodge your complaint directly with the training provider.

Your training provider will have a complaints process that should be followed.

If you’re not happy with the complaints process and feel that you are not being listened to, the next step is to contact the Office of the Training Advocate.

Office of the Training Advocate

The Office of the Training Advocate can provide support if you have problems with the VET system.  They can answer questions and concerns and advise how a problem can be addressed.

If they are not able to help you, they will refer you towards the most appropriate authority to deal with issues you might have.

The Training Advocate can also speak for you or negotiate on your behalf in solving your training related problems or disputes.

Call the Office of the Training Advocate on 1800 006 488.

Complaints about course content and qualifications

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) can investigate certain types of complaints about training providers and RTOs. Complaints might relate to:

  • the information provided to you by a training provider in courses
  • the delivery and assessment of the training you have received
  • the qualifications you have or have not been issued.

Next step: call ASQA on 1300 701 801

Problems with your apprenticeship or traineeship

From time to time there may be issues or points of dispute between apprentices or trainees and their employers.
We deal with this thoroughly on our website relating to traineeships and apprenticeships.

See Resolving issues with your apprenticeship or traineeship.

Problems with training in the workplace

The Office of the Employee Ombudsman can help with problems you may have with your training at work. The office can:
  • advise you on your rights and obligations under awards and enterprise agreements
  • investigate claims of coercion in the negotiation of enterprise agreements
  • represent employees in proceedings (other than proceedings for unfair dismissal) if the employee is not otherwise represented
  • advise individual home-based workers who are not covered by awards or enterprise agreements
  • provide an advisory service on the rights of employees in the workplace on occupational health and safety issues.
Call the Office of the Employee Ombudsman on 8207 1970.