First and foremost, keep in mind we are not Fair Work or any governing body (although we are self appointed + self anointed from the trade gods lol). This session is meant for information + awareness purposes only. 

Now that the formalities (or disclaimers) are out of the way, let’s get down to Sunday Skool business. 

Today Cam runs us through the following:

-apprentice wages overview base weekly rate, electrician licenence allowance, tool allowance and industry allowance which form the all purpose weekly rate - in turn = an all purpose hourly rate.

-all purpose hourly rate applies to ordinary hours and overtime hours

-run over apprentice travel and vehicle allowances and when they apply

-overview of when travel and vehicle allowances apply - depending on how they travel and where they start.

Enjoy the pod!

xx

Useful link

https://library.fairwork.gov.au/viewer/?krn=K600061

Understanding Apprenticeship Wages and Allowances - Sunday School Session with Cam

In this episode, Cam breaks down the essentials of apprenticeship wages, allowances, and travel entitlements as outlined by Fair Work Australia. Whether you're an employer, apprentice, or supervisor, get clarity on minimum rates and key guidelines to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

Main Topics Covered:

• How to calculate base weekly wages for apprentices at different levels
• Breakdown of all-purpose allowances including license, tools, and industry allowances
• How allowances are included in hourly rates for overtime and penalties
• Details on travel allowances for start, finish, and travel between sites
• Real-world examples illustrating entitlement scenarios for apprentices
• Tips on standardizing policies to simplify operations and meet minimum standards

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and overview of apprenticeship wage basics

00:31 - Clarifying what apprentices are entitled to under Fair Work rules

01:01 - Understanding the base weekly rate and allowance components

02:01 - Apprentice categories based on year and age

02:28 - Breakdown of allowances: electrician license, tools, and industry

03:43 - How allowances are added to form the all-purpose weekly rate

05:02 - Calculation of hourly rates from weekly allowances

06:08 - Travel time allowance rules and conditions

07:13 - Examples of allowances for site travel with employer-provided vehicles

08:05 - Clarification on allowances related to start, finish, and travel between sites

12:05 - Scenarios: when allowances are paid and when they are not

13:15 - Example of allowances based on distance and transport method

14:18 - Real-world case: employee using own vehicle for various distances

15:33 - How to interpret allowances for different work situations

16:44 - Mileage reimbursements and incidental expenses

17:13 - Key metrics for compliance and operational consistency

19:51 - Summing up: starting/finishing on site and distance considerations

20:38 - Tailoring policies for project-based vs service work

22:40 - Emphasizing the importance of meeting minimum Fair Work standards

24:20 - Final tips