Fact sheet 101: Probationary periods
Version 11
17 April 2007
[PDF 43kb]
The probationary period allows the apprentice or trainee and their employer time to assess their compatibility and the apprentice's or trainee's suitability for the apprenticeship or traineeship. The probationary period is included as part of the total nominal term of the training contract and applies from the start date of the apprenticeship or traineeship.
As a general rule, the probationary period for a full-time apprenticeship is 90 days, and 30 days for a full-time traineeship. There are a number of exceptions to this rule, including a part-time or school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. Details on the probationary period are available under the individual apprenticeship or traineeship in the Queensland Training Information Service (QTIS) database or by telephoning Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.
The length of the probationary period is important because:
1. Either the employer or the apprentice or trainee may end the apprenticeship or traineeship, without the consent of the other, during the probationary period.
The apprenticeship or traineeship may be ended during the probationary period by the employer giving one week's notice (5 working days) to the apprentice/trainee, or the apprentice/trainee giving one week's notice to the employer.
An apprentice or trainee who terminates the service during probation without giving a termination notice loses an amount equal to one week's wages to the employer. An employer who terminates the service during probation without giving a termination notice must pay the apprentice or trainee an amount equal to one week's wages.
Where a probationary apprentice or trainee's service is to be terminated, employment in the apprenticeship or traineeship should cease during the probationary period. This means that, if an apprentice or trainee is to remain in employment for the notice period, notice must be given at least one week before the probationary period ends. Wages in lieu of notice may be paid, however, employment in the apprenticeship or traineeship should cease during the probationary period.
2. The employer and the apprentice or trainee must sign the training contract prior to the expiry of the probationary period. More information can be found in the fact sheet for Registration of training contracts - employers, apprentices and trainees.
3. The initial training plan for an apprentice or trainee should be signed before the probationary period ends. More detail can be found in the fact sheet for Training plans - minimum requirements.
4. Any request to amend the probationary period must be made before the effective date of the amendment. For more information, see the fact sheet Amendment of probationary period. Absences from employment due to illness or other reasons do not automatically extend the probationary period.
Contact Apprenticeships info 1800 210 210 or Training Queensland 1300 369 935
Other languages