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Wages Conditions & Costs
Employers will need to know the wage conditions and other costs associated with taking on an apprentice / trainee.
Wage Conditions
An Australian Apprentice is usually paid a training wage that is less than the average award wage. However, many employers choose to pay above the stipulated minimum wage to ensure they attract the best candidates when recruiting, build a healthy relationship with existing Apprentices and, in turn, retain their services after the completion of the training period.
- Wage Levels
You must pay an Apprentice for the time they spend training. The wage level will vary according to the level of qualification, the year of training they are in, the industry, the type Apprenticeship (eg school-based, part-time or full-time) and whether the Apprentice has finished school or has any previously acquired skills. As the Apprentice become more skilled and achieve the competencies detailed in the training plan, they progress through each wage level. - Federal and State Awards
Federal and state awards set out the minimum wages and conditions of employment for specified employees, including Australian apprentices / trainees. Awards may include minimum rates of pay, allowances, overtime, penalty rates, hours of work and leave provisions. More than one award may apply to an employee but provide different parts of the overall employment package. You need to determine which awards cover your employee. The easiest way is to contact Wageline (www.wageline.qld.gov.au).
- Recruitment Costs
These are costs involved with finding the right person for the apprenticeship or traineeship. This includes advertising and administration costs for the new employee. - Superannuation
As an employer you will need to pay superannuation into the apprentice / trainee's chosen fund. For more information on superannuation payments contact the Australian Taxation Office (www.ato.gov.au/super/). - Tools / Uniform Allowance
For some apprenticeships, the employer must provide tools to the apprentice. For information on which apprenticeships require the employer to supply tools, contact Wageline (www.wageline.qld.gov.au). - Training Costs
Government funding generally covers the costs of providing off-the-job training for Australian Apprentices but for certain types of Australian Apprenticeships you may have to contribute towards the tuition fees, customisation of training and purchase of a training kit. - Entitlements
Unless otherwise provided for, apprentices and trainees receive all award entitlements as other employees working in similar occupations. This includes entitlements such as sick leave, annual leave, overtime penalty rates, worker's compensation and allowances. Apprentices, trainees and their employers should refer to the relevant order, agreement or award for details of entitlements.
