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Australian apprenticeships enable you to gain practical training and skills while working. Australian apprenticeship wages are based on the regulations and legislations of a given state and may vary from one state to another.

The modern award provides a mechanism by which rates for apprentices and trainees are determined as a percentage of the standard adult wage. In general terms apprentice wages paid to you should reflect the time that you spend at work and in training. They also may vary depending on:

• The industry that you are involved in
• The skills that you have acquired
• The level that you have attained in your apprenticeship

As an Australian Apprentice you have to ensure that:

• You are paid for meetings as well as training sessions
• You receive a tool allowance if you supply your own tools and are entitled to this allowance
• You record the times that you work as well as the times for break.

Every year, Australian apprenticeship wages should increase as long as you meet the training requirements in the given organisation and associated training program. This means that for you to achieve your annual increase, you have to achieve the practical and academic learning required. Also, remember that once your apprentice wages increase, then your employer’s contribution towards your superannuation should also go up.

It is therefore your responsibility to ensure that you are paid correctly during your apprenticeship and that annual pay increases are applied when earned. As a matter of fact, apprentice wages should be clearly set out in your award, agreement or contract. If for some reason you feel you are not being given the right pay, then you should feel free to talk to your employer about the same.