ATSR-146: Paying apprentices and trainees for time spent undertaking supervised training and assessment
Version 4.1
March 2011
ATSR-146: Paying apprentices and trainees for time spent undertaking supervised training and assessment [PDF 66kB]
What is it?
Supervised training in apprenticeships and traineeships, is commonly referred to as off-the-job training delivered by a supervising registered training organisation. Off-the-job training (including the assessment of that training) can be undertaken by a variety of means or a combination of a number of means (e.g. block release, day release, workplace delivery, on-line learning, video link and completing workbooks or correspondence papers). It can be undertaken by an apprentice or trainee at a college, at work or some other venue.and it can be undertaken during or outside of normal working hours.
Does the employer have to pay their apprentice or trainee to undertake off-the-job training?
Under the requirements of the training contract, all employers must release their apprentice or trainee from work and pay the appropriate wages to attend any off-the-job training, including assessment as provided for in the training plan.
However, this may not apply to school-based apprentices and trainees. The relevant industrial relations provisions applicable to the employer will specify whether the school-based apprentice or trainee is paid for time spent undertaking off-the-job training.
What does the employer have to pay?
The employer must pay appropriate wages and other conditions specified in their award or agreement. These will differ from employer to employer and may include payment of wages for out of hours off-the-job training, reimbursement of fees or other training costs. Therefore persons who require advice as to the appropriate wages and conditions for a specific apprentice, trainee or employer in relation to undertaking off-the-job training should contact the Fair Work Infoline.
Who to contact
For further information, regarding:
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appropriate wages and conditions to be paid to apprentices and trainees for their off-the-job training, contact Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 or www.fairwork.gov.au
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off-the-job training to be provided to the apprentice or trainee, refer to the apprentice or trainee's training plan or contact your training organisation.