Starting work
If you have been offered a job as an apprentice or trainee, it is best to get a written letter of engagement from your employer.
You and your employer will need to visit an Australian Apprenticeship Centre to sign the training contract, find a Registered Training Organisation (such as a TAFE), and work out a training plan.
Your responsibilities
It is your responsibility to make sure you attend work, do your job in accordance with your employer’s requirements, and complete any scheduled training, exams, or assessments.
In order to complete your apprenticeship or traineeship you may have to:
- attend training sessions
- complete assignments and assessments
- maintain a record book or work evidence guide
- follow all instructions given by your employer in the workplace
- follow the training plan to ensure you obtain your qualifications.
It is a good idea to keep a work diary to keep track of your shifts and pay. For each shift, record:
- the day and date you work
- the time you start and finish work
- your meal breaks
- the name of your supervisor
- any leave such as sick leave or annual leave
- any time spent at off-the-job training, exams, or assessments.
You should also keep a copy of your payslips and any other paperwork provided by your employer or Registered Training Organisation.
Things to be careful of
You should be paid for all hours you work, including trial shifts or probation periods, meetings, training, and opening and closing the business.
Check your award, agreement or contract to see if you're eligible to receive a tool or uniform allowance. If it’s in your award, agreement or contract you should be getting paid for it.
Money can’t generally be taken out of your pay if customers leave without paying, if the cash registers are short, or if you accidentally break something.
You must be paid in money (e.g. cash, cheque, bank transfer) - you can’t receive goods or services as a part of, or instead of, wages.
If you are asked to drive your employer’s car, check whether you will be required to pay for accidents or insurance.
Your employer is required to provide you with a payslip within one day of payment of wages.
The My employment checklist and A guide for young workers can help you understand the pay and entitlements you should receive when working, and what questions you should ask your employer when starting a new job.