Blog

A big determinant in the jobs we apply for and the careers we choose are what we get paid in the short, medium and long term. When it comes to apprenticeships a skills level needs to be assessed in order to determine the appropriate apprentice wages level which needs to be applied.

Apprentices are remunerated differently, or lesser, when compared to the fully qualified employees. This is largely due to their lower skill level and the on the job training they receive while they work. This is a unique feature of Australian apprenticeship wages.

Some employers may opt to compensate their apprentices by increasing apprentice wages to ensure they attract the finest apprentice applicants when recruiting. They also may do this to build a healthy relationship with Australian Apprentices to keep hold of their services after completion of the training phase.

Apprentice wages are paid for the time covered of their training. As they become more skilled and acquire competencies specific in the training guidelines and objectives, Australian Apprentice wages progress from lower grade levels to higher levels.

The award wage as set out by the government as the minimum wage for Australian Apprentices. These include rates of pay and allowances in minimum level, overtime rates, and shift penalty, other penalty charges, working hours, and leave provisions for sick, personal, or recreation leave. These awards could be federal or state awards.

More than one territory or state is covered by the federal awards concerning Australian apprentice wages. Australian Hotels Association or Master Builders Association members are usually bound by these federal awards. Conversely, the state awards set out different conditions of employment and minimum pay for employees. For some employees, one or more awards may apply to his employment but these make available dissimilar components of the general employment package.

Australian Apprentices are generally treated the same as all other employees; whether it may be workers’ compensation, requirements or entitlements, or superannuation. However, some territories and states offer exemptions on employer’s payroll tax and some other compensation. For having Australian Apprentices, businesses should be aware that trainings incur additional costs. These additional costs can include advertising, interviewing and training.