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Employment Conditions

Will I be paid for work experience?

Generally, unless the work experience is a school-based or Government-sponsored work experience program, you should be paid for all the work you perform.

What is the difference between a part-time and casual employee?

Part-time employees are generally engaged under similar conditions as full-time employees but with reduced hours. They are entitled to pro rata annual leave and sick leave.

Casual employees generally work irregular hours and may not have to work every week. They usually receive a loading to compensate for there being no regular or continuous employment or sick leave entitlements and public holidays are only paid if worked.

Note: Casual employees are also entitled to receive pro rata annual holiday pay, which is paid on an hourly basis.

To accommodate the increasing demand for part-time work, the Industrial Relations Act 1996 allows workers and their employers to enter into Part-time Work Agreement (PTWAs).

If I am not covered by a NSW Award or Enterprise Agreement am I still entitled to Annual Holidays and Long Service Leave?

Yes. Entitlement to an annual holiday comes from the Annual Holidays Act 1944. However, leave loading is an entitlement payable under most NSW Awards or Enterprise Agreement. If you are uncertain about your entitlements please contact Office of Industrial Relations online or telephone 131 628.

The NSW Long Service Leave Act 1955 provides that full-time, part-time and casual workers in New South Wales are entitled to be paid long service leave after working for an unbroken period of ten years with an employer.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a job that allows a person to learn a trade through a mix of on-the-job training and off-the-job study. Usually, the apprentice signs a legal training agreement (indenture) with the employer that must be registered with the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET). The employer can require a probationary (trial) period of three months.

Both employer and apprentice must agree before an indenture may be terminated. Where they are unable to agree, the matter can be referred to the NSW Vocational Training Board for determination. For further information, contact DET on 132 811.

What is a Traineeship?

A traineeship is another type of job that combines training and work. They are generally established in the non-trade areas of the industry. The trainee undertakes on-the-job work (usually four days per week) as well as training provided by a college or other training provider (usually a day each week).

For further information, contact DET on 132 811.