Apprentice Rights and Responsibilities in Australia

As an apprentice, you are an employee and receive workplace rights and entitlements under the Fair Work system, together with the training obligations and protections that apply under your registered training contract. You also take on responsibilities that keep your training on track. This guide covers both sides, so you know exactly where you stand from day one.

Your Rights as an Apprentice

As an employee, an apprentice in Australia is entitled to:

• Minimum apprentice wages based on the award, registered agreement or other applicable industrial instrument, with progression based on time served or competency where applicable. See indicative rates on our apprentice wages page.
• Superannuation paid on top of your wage.
• Annual leave, personal leave and public holiday entitlements, with annual leave loading where it applies under your award or agreement.
• Paid training time: time spent at TAFE or a registered training organisation as part of your apprenticeship is generally paid.
• A safe workplace, proper supervision and the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for the job.
• Workers compensation insurance cover.
• Workplace protections under the Fair Work system, including protections relating to workplace rights and unfair treatment.

Pay, Allowances and Entitlements

Apprentice minimum pay is determined by the modern award, registered agreement or other applicable minimum wage arrangement covering your employment. Minimum rates can depend on your trade, age, year or stage of training and, under some awards, whether you completed Year 12 before starting. Award minimum rates are generally reviewed through the annual wage review, with updated rates commonly taking effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. Depending on your award you may also receive tool, travel, site or industry allowances, plus overtime and penalty rates.

Check your exact minimums with the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool, or see our NSW, QLD and VIC wage guides for indicative figures.

Your Training Contract

Every Australian apprenticeship is formalised through a training contract between you and your employer, registered with your state or territory training authority. It identifies the qualification, nominal duration and type of apprenticeship arrangement, and sets out the obligations of the employer and apprentice. Because the Training Contract is legally binding, changes, suspension or cancellation must follow the process that applies in your state or territory. Some changes can be made by agreement, while others may require approval or determination by the relevant training authority. That structure exists to protect your training.

Your Responsibilities as an Apprentice

Rights come with responsibilities. As an apprentice you are expected to:

• Turn up to work and training reliably, and put in genuine effort towards your competencies.
• Follow reasonable directions from your employer and supervisor.
• Follow workplace health and safety procedures and wear the PPE provided.
• Keep your training records or logbook up to date and complete your off-the-job training.
• Raise problems early, whether they are about work, training or the workplace, so they can be sorted before they grow.

If Something Is Not Right

If you have a problem at work, as a 1300apprentice apprentice, your dedicated Apprentice and Trainee officer is your first call: as your legal employer, we can help address workplace, training and host-placement issues and where appropriate, we can work with you and the host employer to resolve the issue or manage a transition to another host placement.

For independent advice on pay and conditions, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. Your state training authority can help with training contract issues.

How 1300apprentice Supports You

1300apprentice has employed apprentices since 1985. We pay your wages and superannuation, cover your TAFE or RTO enrolment fees upfront, provide PPE and a uniform, and assess every host employer face to face before you are placed. Throughout your apprenticeship a dedicated Apprentice and Trainee Officer stays in regular contact and supports you through to completion. See our job seeker information to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rights do apprentices have at work?

Apprentices have the same workplace rights as other employees, including award wages, superannuation, leave entitlements, a safe workplace and workers compensation cover. On top of that, a registered training contract protects your training, and your employer must release you for the off-the-job training in your contract.

Do apprentices get paid for TAFE days?

Apprentices are generally paid for required TAFE or RTO training because off-the-job training usually counts as time worked. Different payment arrangements can apply to school-based apprentices, depending on the relevant award.

Can an apprenticeship be cancelled?

An apprenticeship can be cancelled, but the Training Contract must be ended through the process that applies in your state or territory. Cancellation may occur by mutual agreement, or one party may apply to the relevant training authority where agreement cannot be reached.

What are an apprentice’s responsibilities?

An apprentice’s responsibilities are to attend work and training reliably, follow reasonable directions and safety procedures, keep training records up to date and put in genuine effort towards completing the qualification. Meeting these responsibilities supports your progress through the apprenticeship, including completion of the training and competency requirements that may affect progression.

Who do I talk to if I have a problem with my host employer?

If you have a problem with your host employer, talk to your 1300apprentice Apprentice and Trainee Officer first. If the issue cannot be resolved, we can work with you to manage the host placement and, where appropriate, explore another suitable host arrangement. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for independent advice.

Start Your Apprenticeship With Support Behind You

Want an employer who backs you for the whole journey? Call 1300 277 736 or register your interest with 1300apprentice today.