Wage Rates

Throughout your apprenticeship you are paid an hourly rate. The actual rate depends upon the level of training that you are at. The present minimum ordinary rates are shown below. Your Host Employer may decide to pay you above these rates.

Level 1	$10.50	Paid whilst undertaking Level 1 training
Level 2	$11.50	Paid whilst undertaking Level 2 training, provided you have completed all Level 1 training requirements, including OSH courses.
Level 3	$12.50	Paid whilst undertaking Level 3 training, provided you have completed all Level 2 training requirements.
Level 4	$13.50	Paid on completing all requirements for the National Certificate in either Plumbing or Gasfitting and Level 3 training.
Level 5	$14.50	Paid on competing all requirements for the second of these National Certificates and Level 3 training.

The above minimum hourly rates apply from 29 March 2010.

A non taxable Tool Allowance of $0.58 per hour is also paid whilst apprentices are at work or on block courses. This is paid by the Trust and not charged to the Host Employer.

Your Host employer determines your actual wage rate. For high performance on the job and in your studies your Host Employer may decide to pay you above the minimum rates.

Your Host employer will also determine whether to pay you Ordinary Rates or Flat Rates.

With Ordinary Rates you are paid an hourly rate for the first 8 hours worked each day and then Overtime for any additional hours worked that day. Most Host Employers pay Overtime at one and a quarter times the Ordinary Rates.

Flat Rates are slightly higher than Ordinary Rates and are paid for however many hours you work each day ie: No Overtime Rates apply.