Your Pay & Rights
Are you getting the correct wage as an electrical apprentice?
Even as an apprentice, you are covered by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020. This Award outlines the base rates you must be paid. The Award can vary from industry to industry and be based on other factors like age and training. To make sure you are getting paid correctly, call and speak to the ETU.
The hourly award rates include the Industry Allowance, Tool Allowance, and Electrician’s Licence Allowance. They don’t include extra allowances for things like multi-storey work, living away from home, or block release training travel and many more. Your employer must also cover all training-related costs – this includes upfront or reimbursed TAFE fees and prescribed textbooks.
If you’re not being paid the minimum rate or your training costs aren’t covered, contact the ETU. We’ll help you recover what you’re owed.
To find your base award rate, check out the Award here.
The award rate for Joe, a Second-year apprentice who finished high school and started their apprenticeship before the age of 21 is shown in the table. Note these are just the legal minimum wages. Wages bargained for with the union are often much higher.
| Classification | Hourly rate | Overtime Mon-Sat (first two hours) | Overtime Mon-Sat (after two hours) | Sunday | Public Holiday | Travel time – Per day |
| Apprentice – 1st Year | $17.18 | $25.77 | $34.36 | $32.06 | $42.95 | $4.65 |
| Apprentice – 2nd Year | $20.20 | $30.30 | $40.40 | $37.68 | $50.50 | $5.50 |
| Apprentice – 3rd Year | $21.70 | $32.55 | $43.40 | $40.48 | $54.25 | $5.92 |
| Apprentice – 4th Year | $25.33 | $38.00 | $47.22 | $50.66 | $63.33 | $6.94 |
Award rates are not union rates. Apprentices covered by Union Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs) earn significantly more. That’s why most electrical workers join the ETU. We negotiate EBAs to secure better wages and conditions, including for apprentices.
Your rights
Your employer must:
- provide structured training
- maintain a safe workplace free of bullying and discrimination
- pay the right wages and conditions
- allow you to attend TAFE or other RTO and pay for your time there
- reimburse you for the costs of training including text books and TAFE or other RTO fees
- Under the electrical Award you are entitled to have an unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes after no more than 6 hours of work. When doing overtime you are entitled to a 20 minute paid break during 4 hours of overtime. In our ETU agreements we usually have a paid break every 5 hours of worked hours.
- sign you up to a training contract usually within 2-4 weeks of beginning an apprenticeship but no longer than three months.
- give you the right to refuse overtime if it impacts on your health and safety or family life.
Your Obligations
Apprentices must:
- be available for work
- attend trade school
- be on time
- work safely
Apprentice FAQs
Is the ETU the right Union for me?
Yes – if you’re an apprentice or electrical worker in NSW or the ACT.
How do I join?
Easy. Click the Join Now button on this page, and follow the prompts. Once you’ve joined, we’ll send you a ‘New Member Pack’ with
- ETU Cover letter
- ETU Benefits leaflet
- Member portal leaflet
- C-BUS
- Chifley Income Protection
- Member Advantage Shopping Discounts!
What are the benefits of joining as an apprentice?
You get:
- Help with wages, entitlements, and legal issues
- Mentoring and support through TAFE
- Discounts on gyms, holidays, and more
- Journey Cover (insurance if you’re hurt going to or from work)
- A union that has your back in real situations – from bullying to underpayment
What are my payment options?
There’s a range of payment methods including Direct Debit, Credit Card, BPay, and Payroll Deductions. Remember, your union fees are tax-deductible – so don’t forget to claim in your tax return.
How do I update my Membership Details?
You can update your details through the membership portal.
How much are membership fees?
As an apprentice, you can join the ETU for just $3.15 a week.
How do I access my Membership Account online?
If you’re having difficulty logging in to your Membership Account, Call the membership team on 0292674844 or email us etunsw@etunsw.asn.au and we will create a password for you.
I am unemployed and/or looking for work. Are you able to assist?
Call membership team on 0292674844 or Email is etunsw@etunsw.asn.au. Most likely, we refer the case to our organiser.
If I need assistance, who do I call?
Call the ETU NSW & ACT team on 02 92674844 or email us etunsw@etunsw.asn.au. Everything’s confidential.