Considering an apprenticeship in Victoria? Everything you need to know
Elis Hoxha
30/10/2017

Apprenticeships are a flexible way to receive
hands on work experience and nationally recognised training in a specific
industry.
In Victoria, there are more than 74,000 people currently employed
as apprentices in a variety of industries. Apprenticeships are available to all
ages, and no prior experience in the trade or industry is necessary.
Why would I consider an apprenticeship?
There are many benefits to being employed as
an apprentice:
· You get to learn a trade with work-based training and get a nationally
recognised qualification through TAFE.
· You get paid whilst learning.
· You may be eligible for a number of financial incentives as
an apprentice.
What awards and benefits do I get as an
apprentice?
Discounted car registration
Trade
apprentices in Victoria may be eligible for 50% discounted annual car
registration if you use your car for work purposes. More information can be
found here.
Trade support loans
Apprentices
have access to Trade Support Loans, which total up to $20,000 over the course
of an apprenticeship. These loans are to help with the costs of undertaking an
apprenticeship and living on apprenticeship salaries. These loans are paid
monthly and start at $8000 for the first year. The monthly loan amount
decreases slightly from year to year in line with apprenticeship salary rate
increases, and is available for a maximum of four years.
Trade
support loans are interest free and repayable when the apprenticeship is
completed, and when you are earning more than the income repayment threshold
(currently $55,874 2017-2018).
Trade
support loans are optional but may provide necessary financial help depending
on your personal circumstances.
A major
benefit of a trade support loan is that if you complete your apprenticeship,
you only have to pay back 80% of the amount borrowed!
Living away from home allowance
Apprentices
who have to move away from parental or guardian home for the first time to
commence their apprenticeship may be entitled to a living away from home
allowance.
This starts
at a rate of $77.17 per week for the first 12 months, $38.59 for the second
year, and $25 for the third year. This is available
to full and part time apprentices.
Centrelink
benefits for apprentices
Centrelink offers benefits such as Youth Allowance, Austudy and
Abstudy, for apprentices depending on your age and eligibility. You can contact
the Department of Human Services for more information.
Discounted health care and travel
Apprentices
may be entitled to a range of discounted health care and travel benefits.
For a full list and to find out where to get more information on
incentives for apprentices in Australia refer to this fact sheet.
What can I expect to be paid as an apprentice?
Apprenticeship
salaries are based on the award rates for the individual trade, information on
awards can be found here.
For
examples, an apprentice in the construction industry will be paid an hourly
rate which varies depending on the year of apprenticeship they are in, the age
of the apprentice and if all units of competency being passed at TAFE. In
Victoria the current rates for apprentices in the building and construction
industry are as follows:
Apprentice Rates under 25
|
||||||||
1st Year |
2nd Year |
3rd Year |
4th Year |
|||||
$ Per Hour |
$ Per Week |
$ Per Hour |
$ Per Week |
$ Per Hour |
$ Per Week |
$ Per Hour |
$ Per Week |
|
From 1 March 2014 - Base Rate |
14.55 |
523.64 |
14.57 |
524.43 |
21.89 |
788.07 |
26.77 |
963.77 |
TAFE Allowance |
225.00 |
225.00 |
225.00 |
|||||
Total Rate if all modules passed |
14.55 |
523.64 |
20.82 |
749.43 |
28.14 |
1013.07 |
33.02 |
1188.77 |
Adult Apprentice Rates (Over 25 years of age)
|
||||||||
1st Year |
2nd Year |
3rd Year |
4th Year |
|||||
$ Per Hour |
$ Per Week |
$ Per Hour |
$ Per Week |
$ Per Hour |
$ Per Week |
$ Per Hour |
$ Per Week |
|
From 1 March 2014 - Base Rate |
18.57 |
668.53 |
21.89 |
788.07 |
26.77 |
963.77 |
27.99 |
1007.65 |
TAFE Allowance |
225.00 |
225.00 |
225.00 |
|||||
Total Rate if all modules passed |
18.57 |
668.53 |
28.14 |
1012.07 |
33.02 |
1188.77 |
34.24 |
1232.65 |
How do I find an apprenticeship?
First you need to
consider what trade or industry you want to work in. You can then talk to local
businesses in this industry and ask them if they are considering employing an
apprentice or find out how they would recruit for one if they were.
Employers will likely advertise their apprenticeship openings on online job sites, or through specific recruitment sites such as ConstructYou so make sure you are registered with us to search and to stay up to date with any opportunities.
References:
https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/employer-incentives
https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/employers
https://www.business.gov.au/info/run/employ-people/apprentices-and-trainees