Wages & Financial Support

Apprentice and trainee wages and support can vary by industry and occupation.

Earning while you are learning is one of the many benefits of becoming an apprentice or trainee. It is a good idea to do your research and find out about wages, entitlements and financial support you may get to assist you on your career journey. Here, you can find information on different types of financial support that you may be eligible for.

The Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship Pathways website has a great summary of the job hunting process for you.

Wages, Entitlements and Awards

Questions about Australian Apprenticeship wages and awards can be answered by the Fair Work Ombudsman. They work with employees, employers and the community to educate and encourage compliance with Australia's workplace laws.

Apprentices and trainees may have lower pay rates than other workers, which can vary between occupation and industry. These rates may depend on your age, education level and previous employment. Apprentices and trainees get basic employment entitlements such as sick leave, overtime rates, and superannuation as outlined in their award.

Awards can also state who is responsible to pay for an apprentice or trainee's training fees, and whether there are any travel, accommodation, or uniform allowance entitlements.

To find out all of these details, call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94.

It is highly recommended that you visit the Before You Call page to get the information that the Fair Work Infoline will need. Save time and be prepared! If you would like, skip the queue, and research wages and entitlements yourself, use the Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT).

Pay and Conditions Tool

Use the Pay Calculator to find base pay rates, allowances and penalty rates (including overtime).

Awards

Awards are legal documents that outline the minimum pay rates and conditions of employment.

Apprentice Entitlements

Awards and registered agreements can have specific entitlements or rules that apply to apprentices.

Trainee Entitlements

There are specific entitlements that may be available to trainees within an award or registered agreement

Allowances and Support

There are quite a few financial payments that may be available to apprentices or trainees to help support them through their training. Trade Support Loans and Living Away From Home Allowance are assessed and administered by Apprenticeship Network Providers. Services Australia Centrelink may also provide fortnightly allowances and concessions.

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers can also explain whether there are any specific State and Territory allowances available to apprentices and trainees such as discounted car registration.

You can find more information about relevant Services Australia Centrelink application requirements via the Centrelink Payment and Service Finder.

Applying for Services Australia financial support will take time and it may be a long process for some, so make sure to fill all paperwork correctly and attach all the requested supporting documents the first time round to avoid delays. These financial aids can go a long way over the course of your apprenticeship or traineeship.