Pay rates (apprentice or trainee)

Under the Modern Award an apprentice or trainee is classified as an employee who has a formal training contract in place with their employer. The training contract must be approved by a state or territory training authority. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that their apprentice or trainee is being paid appropriately.

The Fair Work Ombudsman's website has tools and lists awards available across all industries. They provide useful information about the minimum wage and conditions that you are entitled to that is specific to your workplace. You are required by law to have a copy of the award or agreement.

For any questions around pay and conditions, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or call on 13 13 94.

Pre-enrolments

If you have chosen to pay the fees for your apprentice or trainee, you will be able to view a complete list of unpaid pre-enrolments (and have the option to pay). Payments can be made by Visa and MasterCard.

The cost of enrolment

All apprentices and trainees are required to pay tuition fee and a student services fee (unless a workplace-based student).  Materials fees may also apply. The enrolment fees are determined by the following factors:

  • eligibility for a government-subsidised training place,
  • the course or skill set,
  • the enrolled hours, and
  • any concession entitlements.

A Statement of Fees outlining the cost of training, expected start date and the due date for payment is provided prior to enrolment. All fees are payable in full at the time of enrolment and before the commencement of any training and assessment.

Payment can be made by the apprentice or trainee through a Debitsuccess payment plan (where applicable), with no up-front cost and a small application fee. The terms of the direct debit agreements are up to the duration of the enrolment, with the option of weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments. If an apprentice or trainee falls behind in payments (and it has not yet been transferred to debt collection), the apprentice or trainee can contact Debitsuccess on 1800 148 848 to discuss the details.

Learn more information about a range of payment options that are available for you and your apprentice or trainee.

You can read more information about payment plans and consequences of defaulting on payments.

Overdue or delayed payments

If the enrolment fees are not paid by the due date, your apprentice or trainee may not be allowed to attend classes, perform any course assessments, or receive academic results for the relevant study period.