The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) is pushing for apprentices to stop missing out on real wage increases as the Fair Work Commission undertakes its annual wage review.

Last year, the minimum wage and award minimum rates rose by at least $40 per week. Many apprentices earn far less than the minimum wage and get paid under an “award”. But due to a provision in how their wages are calculated, some only received a percentage of the $40.

The ETU wants apprentices who have been receiving less than the $40 pay rise to pocket the difference backdated from July 2022, and to be included in the Fair Work Commission’s looming decision on an increase to the minimum wage this year.

The call comes as an ETU-commissioned survey of almost 400 electrical apprentices reveals that nearly half have considered quitting – up 10% from 2022. Close to one-third indicate that wages or cost of living are the main reasons.

ETU acting national secretary Michael Wright says apprentices deserved a real pay rise, not a pay cut as they endure high inflation: “Our nation’s electrical apprentices get paid below the minimum wage and are among the hardest hit by cost-of-living pressures. They are struggling to even put petrol in the car to get to site, let alone pay for the increased rent and food costs to survive.

“Many apprentices are pocketing barely half of the minimum $40 rise to weekly pay packets since last year. This must be rectified and backdated, or we risk these apprentices dropping out of the trade forever.”

He says that the Fair Work Commission needs to step in and address these issues. To do this, apprentices and trainees must get the same wage increase as other low-paid workers have been.

“Advancing nation-building infrastructure projects and the clean energy transition is under threat without a future electrical workforce. Plans to rewire our homes, industry and grid will unravel,” Michael explains.

“Australia’s electrical apprentices are the backbone of our community and our future economy, but we’re already facing a major skills shortage as it is. The best way to recruit more apprentices and keep them on the books is better wages. The nation can’t afford to lose any more apprentices.”