Find out about wages and allowances for apprentices and trainees.
Apprentice and trainee wages
Apprentice and trainee wages are mostly set by an industry award. Different industries have different awards – over 100 of them.
Search a current list of modern award rates on the Fair Work Australia website. Find your industry and see what you should be getting paid.
If you are employed in the SA Public Sector, search industry awards on the SA Industrial Relations website.
If you aren't sure which award you come under, ask your employer or look at your training contract.
Travel and accommodation allowances
If you have to travel more than 150km to get to and from your closest approved training provider, the State Government may contribute towards a portion of your travel and accommodation costs. You will be eligible if you:
- have a current training contract registered in South Australia
- are eligible for government funded training (with a government contracted training provider)
- travel a round trip distance in excess of 150km between your normal place of residence and your closest contracted training provider in South Australia
- live within a non-metropolitan area of South Australia.
Complete your application and send to DFEEST using the instructions on the form.
Living away from home allowance
If you have to live away from home to do your apprenticeship or traineeship you may be eligible for an allowance. Your Australian Apprenticeships Centre can provide information about eligibility.
Contact your Australian Apprenticeships Centre.
See concessions, allowances and scholarships for more information.
Tools for trade allowances
Some apprentices are entitled to tools for trade allowances paid by the Australian Government. Your Australian Apprenticeships Centre can advise on Australian government subsidies.