Apprentice Rights: What You Need to Know During Your Apprenticeship

Know your worth. Protect your future. Stand with your union.

Basic Entitlements During Your Apprenticeship

Leave & Breaks

You get the same key rights as every other employee:

• Annual leave – 4 weeks per year (full-time)
• Sick/personal leave – when you’re unwell
• Public holidays – time off or penalty rates if you work
• Proper breaks during shifts

Remember: Being an apprentice doesn’t mean fewer rights.

Training & Pay

TAFE Time = Work Time

• Time at TAFE or training must be paid
• Your employer cannot make you work extra days to cover training
• Your employer should pay TAFE fees and textbooks

Check Your Pay Every Time

Your apprentice wage increases each year. Make sure:

• You’re on the right year or stage level (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th year)
• You are receiving the correct apprentice rate based on your age or level of high school completion. Learn more about your payslip.
• You’re getting penalty rates for late nights, early mornings, weekends, and public holidays
• Your super is being paid

🚩Red flag: No payslip every pay period? That’s wage theft.

Safety & Supervision for Apprentices

You Need Proper Supervision

• Direct supervision – for new or dangerous tasks
• Indirect supervision – someone nearby checking in
• Broad supervision – for tasks you know how to do safely

If you’re left alone doing dangerous work without training, that’s not okay.

If You Get Injured

• Report it in writing immediately
• Tell your TAFE or other training provider
• See your doctor and get a certificate of capacity for claiming workers compensation (might also be called a Work Capacity Certificate or WorkCover certificate depending on what state you are in)
• Lodge a claim and keep copies

Never feel pressured to work unsafely. Raising safety concerns is smart, not weak.

You Don’t Have to Cop Abuse During Your Apprenticeship

Zero Tolerance for Bullying

Don’t believe anyone who says copping verbal abuse, physical violence, or harassment is “just part of being an apprentice.” That’s wrong.

You have the right to:

• Work without bullying or discrimination
• Be treated with respect
• Speak up without being punished or sacked

Protection Against Unfair Dismissal

After probation, your employer must:

• Give proper notice before firing you
• Follow disciplinary procedures
• Provide redundancy pay if applicable

🚩 Warning signs: Being fired without notice, no proper process, or dismissal for raising concerns about safety or pay.

Why Join Your Union?

You’re Not Alone

Your boss has way more power than you do individually. When you join your union, you and your workmates have a real voice.

Your Union Helps With:

• Making sure you’re paid correctly
• Safety issues
• Bullying and harassment
• Unfair treatment or dismissal
• Understanding your rights

What You Get:

• A delegate who’s got your back
• Representation in meetings
• Expert advice on your award
• Legal support if things go wrong

The Bottom Line for Apprentices

You’re learning a trade for life – but only if you’re treated fairly and paid properly. Knowing your rights isn’t being difficult. It’s being smart.

Join your union now. Don’t wait for a problem. When workers stand together, workplaces get better. All the rights we have today were won by workers who stood together.

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