Apprentices must be registered with an appropriate state or territory training authority. Your employer should contact the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) immediately after they agree to take you on to ensure the training contract is signed by the parties and provided to the Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP) within the relevant State timeframe.
A probationary period generally applies when you start with your employer, usually for the first three months. The probationary period will be specified in the training contract. The training contract can generally be cancelled by either you or your employer during the probationary period.
Apprentices may be employed on a full-time or part-time basis. Apprentices cannot be employed as casuals or independent contractors. Your wage will depend on a range of factors including your age and the type of qualification. This will generally be dependent on the industrial instrument that applies to your employment, for example, a modern award (such as the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2010) or a registered agreement.
If you have any queries in relation to your apprenticeship you can speak to your employer, contact the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) or your Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP). If you have any queries in relation you pay and conditions of employment you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) on 13 13 94.
WHAT ELSE TO EXPECT:
- Pay and conditions of employment in accordance with a relevant industrial instrument that applies to your employment (such as a modern award or enterprise agreement)
- Working outdoors
- Worksite variety
- A physically and psychologically safe workplace
- A clear safety induction and training in the work you will be doing
- Early starts / Weekend work
- Getting paid while you learn
- Putting in the Hard Yakka for some satisfying work results
- A regular payslip and superannuation
WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED OF YOU
- Take reasonable care of your own safety and the safety of others
- Follow your employer’s safety policies and procedures
- Be on time everyday
- Be mentally alert
- Work as part of a team
- Don’t hide mistakes, take ownership and learn from them
- Ask questions, especially if you don’t understand something
- Attend TAFE/RTO on the scheduled dates
- Turn your mobile off before you start
- Obtain a driver’s license and vehicle