Perth Apprentice Wage Rates & Employer Obligations

Labor and Employment Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

In Perth, Western Australia, apprentice wage rates and employer obligations are governed primarily by national industrial laws and state training arrangements rather than by a City of Perth local law. Employers and apprentices must follow the Modern Award or enterprise agreement that applies to their industry, and training contracts administered in Western Australia set training obligations. This guide explains where wage rates are set, who enforces compliance, how to check correct pay, and practical steps to raise a complaint or appeal a decision for workplaces in Perth.

Penalties & Enforcement

Wage-setting for apprentices is handled under federal industrial law and state apprenticeship arrangements; the City of Perth does not set apprentice wages. Enforcement and remedies depend on which instrument applies (Modern Award, enterprise agreement or training contract). [1]

  • Fine amounts: specific monetary penalties for underpayment are not specified on the cited page for local law; see national and state enforcement pages for civil penalties and remedies. [1]
  • Escalation: information about first, repeat or continuing-offence escalation is not specified on the cited pages for municipal law and is determined under federal/state statutes or by courts. [1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to pay back wages, enforceable undertakings, injunctions and court actions are used by federal inspectors and tribunals; details vary by instrument. [1]
  • Enforcer and complaints: the Fair Work Ombudsman handles underpayments and unlawful deductions for most private-sector apprentices, and the WA Department of Training administers apprenticeship contracts and registration. Use official complaint/contact pages to start enforcement. [1][2]
  • Appeals and review: remedies and appeal routes depend on the enforcing body; time limits for making complaints are not specified on the cited municipal page and vary by statute or tribunal rules. [1]
If you are unsure which award or agreement applies, check payslips and the applicable Modern Award first.

Applications & Forms

To report suspected underpayment or to seek review you can use the Fair Work Ombudsman online complaint process or contact the WA apprenticeship authority about training-contract issues. Specific form names, fees or statutory deadlines are not specified on the City of Perth local-law pages and should be confirmed via the enforcing agency pages. [1][2]

  • Fair Work Ombudsman - online complaint (online submission available; see site for details). [1]
  • WA Department of Training - apprenticeship registration and training-contract enquiries (use official contact points). [2]
  • City of Perth - local laws and business compliance contact page for non-wage municipal issues. [3]

Common Violations

  • Paying below the applicable apprentice rate under the relevant Modern Award or enterprise agreement.
  • Failing to keep required records or issuing incomplete payslips for apprentices.
  • Not complying with training-contract obligations or registered training organisation requirements.
Municipal councils do not generally set wage rates for apprentices; the national system and state training bodies govern pay and contracts.

FAQ

Who sets apprentice wage rates for employees in Perth?
Apprentice wages are set by the applicable Modern Award or enterprise agreement and training contracts administered at state level; the City of Perth local laws do not set wage rates. [1][2]
How do I report an underpayment in Perth?
Report suspected underpayment to the Fair Work Ombudsman via its online complaint process for private-sector issues, or contact the WA apprenticeship authority for training-contract matters. [1][2]
Can the City of Perth enforce apprentice pay?
No, the City enforces local laws and permits; wage enforcement is carried out by federal and state agencies. [3]

How-To

  1. Check the apprentice’s payslip and identify the applicable Modern Award or enterprise agreement and the apprentice classification.
  2. Compare rates and overtime allowances listed on the Fair Work Ombudsman award pages or a registered agreement.
  3. Contact the employer to request a payroll review and written explanation within the workplace.
  4. If unresolved, lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman or contact the WA Department of Training about the training contract.
  5. If required, seek a tribunal or court determination on unpaid wages through the Fair Work Commission or other relevant forum instructed by the enforcing agency.

Key Takeaways

  • Apprentice pay is governed by national awards and state training contracts, not by local bylaws.
  • Report underpayments to the Fair Work Ombudsman or the WA apprenticeship authority depending on the issue.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Fair Work Ombudsman - Apprentices and trainees pay
  2. [2] WA Department of Training - Apprenticeships and Traineeships
  3. [3] City of Perth - Local laws

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