Pay (wages)
For apprentices and trainees employed by private sector employers [PDF 403kb]
For apprentices and trainees employed by Queensland Government employers [PDF 94kb]
For more information contact Wageline on 1300 369 945 or visit the Wageline apprenticeship and traineeship website. For specific information on wages and employment conditions for your apprenticeship or traineeship, telephone Wageline on 1300 369 945 or visit www.wageline.qld.gov.au.
Wages and conditions for apprenticeships and traineeships vary; however, the following information can be used as a guide.
As a minimum, you must be paid a training wage as outlined in the award or agreement for your occupation or industry. The wage you are paid will depend on your apprenticeship or traineeship and the progress you make.
For most apprenticeships and traineeships, the wage is calculated as a percentage of the wage paid to qualified workers, and depends on the year or level you have reached in your apprenticeship or traineeship. When you have achieved the competencies required for your current level (or after the end of a period of time - usually 12 months), you can progress to the next wage level of your apprenticeship or traineeship.
If you have already completed some of your apprenticeship or traineeship with another employer (or completed a relevant prevocational course), you must be paid at the correct rate for the competencies you have achieved.
You must be paid for the time you spend undertaking training arranged by your training provider (this does not apply to school-based apprentices and trainees).
In some industries, minimum wages apply for adult apprentices and trainees. The age when an apprentice or trainee is considered to be an adult may differ from industry to industry.
Information for school-based apprentices and trainees
Information for apprentices and trainees employed by group training organisations
Information for existing workers employed as apprentices and trainees
Information for school-based apprentices and trainees
As a school-based apprentice or trainee you will only be paid for the time you spend at work. Your wage will be a percentage of the relevant full-time apprentice or trainee wage, and will be calculated on the number of hours you work each week.
You will not be paid for the time spent attending training arranged by your training provider.
School-based apprentices and trainees do not receive entitlements to sick leave, recreation leave (holidays) or public holidays. However, you will be paid an extra amount on top of your wage to make up for not receiving these entitlements.
You must work and be paid for a minimum of 48 days in each year of your school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.
Information for apprentices and trainees employed by group training organisations
If you are employed by a group training organisation, that organisation will usually pay your wages and provide your entitlements.
Information for existing workers employed as apprentices and trainees
In many industries, employers are prohibited from reducing the wages of existing workers when they become an apprentice or trainee. To find out if this applies to your industry, telephone Wageline on 1300 369 945.
Contact Apprenticeships info 1800 210 210 or Training Queensland 1300 369 935
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