Zero-tolerance for harassment

The VRQA has cancelled the approval of an electrician to employ apprentices. The employer was found guilty of breaching the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 in relation to his behaviour towards a female apprentice.

A WorkSafe investigation found the employer had engaged in sexual harassment, work-related gendered violence and workplace bullying. We acted immediately to ensure this employer couldn’t hire another apprentice.

The VRQA has zero-tolerance for gender-based harassment and violence. The VRQA works collaboratively with its co-regulators, including WorkSafe, to keep apprentices safe.

We have previously issued a call to action to end the culture of silence around the mistreatment of female apprentices in the building and construction industry. We continue to take action to ensure every apprentice is provided with a safe workplace, free from gender-based harassment and violence.