The futures of OneSteel's apprentices are safe for the moment, despite speculation that jobs have been lost.

OneSteel Whyalla chief executive Mark Parry addressed the company's apprentices last week, outlining changes that have to occur due to the global financial crisis.

Mr Parry said the company was still committed to its apprentices, however the continuing challenges OneSteel was facing meant it would need to "challenge" the way it does business.

Mr Parry said changes may include some apprentices completing their training with more time off site.

"The global financial crisis and the flow-on impacts to the steel industry dictates that we must continue to challenge the way we do business," Mr Parry stated in a letter to apprentices.

"And although we are committed to ensuring our apprentices complete their training, we may need to be flexible in the approaches we take to achieve the same outcome.

"This may mean that some apprentices may need to complete their training with a greater bias to having time off-site at TAFE, whilst OneSteel continues to support apprentices through provision of on-site training, and/or negotiating support through TAFE and Government funding."

Mr Parry added that there may not be positions available to apprentices once their training is finished.

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"As always has been the case when apprentices complete training, there may or may not be positions available with OneSteel, with available positions depending upon vacancies at the time and the skills, capabilities and work performance of the individual," Mr Parry said.

"Be assured that OneSteel remains committed to supporting its apprentices and you are encouraged to undertake your training diligently to achieve formal qualifications, despite any minor adjustments that may be needed to reach that outcome," Mr Parry stated in the letter.

Nearly 40 Career Employment Group apprentices will also still be employed through CEG.

OneSteel provided financial support to these apprentices and trainees last year through the Get Set program, however due to business conditions has ended that support to focus on its own apprentices.

OneSteel's financial support supplemented the apprentices' salaries, which will now be fully supported by Centrelink.