If you are a new employee, you will usually be paid a reduced wage that reflects the time you spend in undertaking formal training. Your employer is required to pay you for time spent in training (either on-the-job or off-the job), except if you are undertaking a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship click here.
If you are currently employed, your wages and employment conditions usually remain unchanged while undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship, however it is important that you obtain further advice. You are classed as a current employee if you have been employed for a period of at least three months full-time or twelve months casual, part-time or a combination of both with your current employer, prior to commencing the Training Contract.
Wages for full-time, part-time and school-based apprentices and trainees vary across qualifications, while wages for adult apprentices and trainees (under certain industrial arrangements) may be paid at a special rate. Wages are determined by a number of industrial relations instruments including: State or Federal Awards - regulate the terms and conditions of your employment, as well as outlining you and your employer’s responsibilities. Your award coverage may be specific to an industry, a single employer, a specific class of employers or a specific class of employees. State or Federal Certified Agreements - Certified Agreements are collective agreements between employers and the union/s or between an employer and their employees. Queensland or Australian Workplace Agreements - Workplace Agreements are negotiated between an employer and an individual employee or an employer and an individual group of employees who have some common denominator.
For information about Australia’s national workplace relations system, wages and employment conditions contact Fair Work on 13 13 94.
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