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Rights & Responsibilities » Employers » School-based apprenticeships

School-based apprenticeships

DET information on Apprentices and Training

NSW school students can now start a part-time apprenticeship while enrolled in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) from the end of Year 10. The types of apprenticeships available to school students are in the automotive, metals and engineering, commercial cookery, electro technology and construction industries. Additional apprenticeship categories are progressively being introduced during 2007. Further details of these apprenticeships are outlined on the DET website.

Pay rates

As a general rule the hourly rate to be paid to school-based apprentices is calculated by dividing the usual apprenticeship award weekly rate by 38. If apprentices are doing the HSC full-time they will be paid for actual hours worked plus 25% in lieu of payment for time spent at school in off-the-job training. Check the appropriate award for more details.

The apprentices wage should be increased to the next level of pay after two years if they have met the relevant training requirements.

School-based apprentices are entitled to all the conditions of full-time apprentices but on a pro-rata basis.

Awards

Awards that apply to school-based apprentices are listed below and pay rates can be found in the pay rates section of each award

If you are not sure what award applies to your school-based apprenticeship call the OIR on 131 628.

The following NSW Awards provide for school-based apprenticeships:

The New South Government is committed to providing quality training and employment opportunities while securing fair conditions and pay for young workers. School-based apprenticeships have been developed in accordance with nationally agreed COAG training reforms to meet areas of national skills shortages and to support NSW Government initiatives in the State Plan to increase vocational training in schools.

The award provisions build on recent legislative protections designed to secure entitlements and fair conditions for young workers under 18 - the Child Employment Act 2006.

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Date Created: 8 February 2007
Last Reviewed : 26 June 2008

  ©Office of Industrial Relations, NSW Department of Commerce
  McKell Building, 2-24 Rawson Place, Sydney NSW 2000
  Phone: 131 628 (anywhere within NSW)  Fax: (02) 9020 4700
  URL: http://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au