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Australian Apprenticeships enable you to get a nationally recognised qualification while you learn and earn on the job. When starting off, you need the following:

1. A Training Contract – this has to be signed by the apprentice and the employer and then approved by State Training Services
2. Paid Employment – this has to be done under the appropriate industrial arrangement
3. A Training Plan – this has to be endorsed by a relevant RTO (Registered Training Organisation)

As an apprentice, you will be paid Australian Apprenticeship wages under an award that reflects the area and industry you are employed in. The apprentice wages that you are paid will depend on your apprenticeship or traineeship as well as your level of progress in your training.

Generally, Australian apprenticeship wages are a percentage of the wage that is paid to fully qualified workers. As set out in the State or Federal Industrial Award, apprentices and trainees have to be paid at least the minimum wage or the training wage. Once you achieve the required competencies for your current level, typically after 12 months, you can then progress to the next wage level.

The Australian government has set out standards to guide the employment of apprentices. With regard to working hours, a full time apprentice is required to work no more than 38 hours each week. Australian apprentices are also to be treated in the same way as all other employees in relation to workers’ compensation, superannuation, as well as other entitlements or requirements.

Allowances such as tool allowances, travel allowances, uniform or laundry allowances should be given to Australian apprentices as set out in the workplace agreement. Apprentices are also entitled to various leaves such as parental leave, sick leave, annual leave as well as bereavement leave.

Australian Apprenticeship wages will vary depending on various factors. However, as an Australian apprentice you must always ensure that you are employed under an approved workplace agreement or under an appropriate award. If you take your apprenticeship very seriously, your apprentice wages should be worth the time and energy that you put into your work.