Know what you're owed · NES · Fair Work · FY2025–26

Apprentice Entitlements in Australia — What You're Legally Owed

Most apprentices know they get a wage. Far fewer know everything else they're legally entitled to. Here's what the National Employment Standards and Fair Work Modern Awards say you're owed — regardless of what your employer tells you.

Government payments and financial support

Australian Apprenticeships Incentive Payment (AAIP)

Up to $10,000

Available to eligible apprentices commencing in a priority occupation (electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and most construction trades qualify). Paid at three milestones: commencement, 12 months in, and completion. Administered by your Australian Apprenticeships Support Network (AASN) provider. You must actively claim this — it doesn't arrive automatically.

Trade Support Loan (TSL)

Up to $25,983

An income-contingent loan to help cover costs during your apprenticeship — tools, equipment, travel, accommodation, and living expenses. Like HECS/HELP, it's repaid through the tax system once you earn above the repayment threshold. It doesn't accumulate interest like a bank loan. Apply through your AASN provider or the Australian Apprenticeships website.

Leave entitlements

These apply from day one

Apprentices are employees under the National Employment Standards. This means you accrue leave entitlements from the first day of your employment, not after a probationary period.

Annual leave
4 weeks (20 days) per year, accrued progressively. You can take it by agreement with your employer. Unused leave is paid out if your employment ends.
Personal / carer's leave
10 days per year. Covers your own illness, injury, or caring for a family member. Accrues from day one.
Public holidays
You're entitled to be paid for public holidays you don't work. If you're required to work on a public holiday, penalty rates apply.
Compassionate leave
2 days per occasion for the death or serious illness of an immediate family member.
Parental leave
12 months unpaid parental leave after 12 months of service, with the right to request an additional 12 months. Government-funded Parental Leave Pay may also apply.

Pay entitlements

Your minimum pay is set by your Modern Award. You cannot be paid below the rates specified for your trade and year of training. See electrical apprentice pay rates or rates across all trades for the exact figures.

If you've been underpaid, you have the right to claim back-pay for up to 6 years. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 — they investigate underpayment claims for free.

Training entitlements

Your employer must allow you time off to attend TAFE or your Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This time is counted as ordinary paid hours — you cannot be docked pay or asked to make up the time. If your TAFE attendance falls outside your normal work hours, you're still entitled to be paid for those hours at ordinary rates.

Tool and clothing allowances

Most Modern Awards include a tool allowance paid on top of your hourly rate. For electrical apprentices under MA000025, this is paid weekly as a contribution toward the cost of hand tools. Check your award for the current allowance figure — it's typically around $15–$25/week.

Know what you're owed — before you need it

Most apprentices only find out about their entitlements when something goes wrong. Apprentice Register is built to give you this information up front — your pay rate, your entitlements, and what the full picture of your trade looks like.

Join the register →