Apprentices are the future of the industry and the CFMEU supports high levels of apprentices on building sites.

Apprenticeship Officer 

As part of this commitment the CFMEU employess a full-time apprenticeship officer. Being badly treated or ripped off puts many young workers off finishing or taking up apprenticeships.

Email CFMEU Apprenticeship Officer Liam O'Hearn liamo@vic.cfmeu.asn.au

Free CFMEU Membership for Apprentices

There is no charge to be a member in your first year. The joining fee is waived for all apprentices.

 Join online or email Apprenticeship Officer Liam O'Hearn liamo@vic.cfmeu.asn.au to get signed up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my boss keep me out of trade school?
A: No. All apprentices must attend all scheduled training. To hinder an apprentice from attending trade school is an offence under the Education and Training Reform Act.

Q: Do I have to work on RDOs?
A: No.

Q: When do I have to be signed up with the Apprentices Administration Branch?
A: Within 10 days of starting. This applies even if you are on a three month trial. If you are not registered within 10 days you must be paid labourer's wages until such time as you are.
If you have queries about this issue or are unsure what agreement or award you should be paid under, email CFMEU Apprenticeship Officer Liam O'Hearn liamo@vic.cfmeu.asn.au.
CFMEU agreement apprentice pay rates.

Q: Can my boss sack me for being a union member?
A: No. Discrminating against a worker for being a union member is an offence under the Fair Work Act.

Q: Can I be used as a labourer?
A: You must do work which reflects your training contract. This can involve set up and clean up work but an apprentice can not be used as a labourer.

Q: What happens if I get injured at work?
A: Make sure the injury is recorded by the employer. You are entitled to Workcover if the injury requires you to take time off.

Q: If my boss hasn't got any work can I be suspended or have my hours reduced?
A: In some circumstances employers can do this but if you are in this situation you need to email CFMEU Appprenticeship Officer Liam O'Hearn liamo@vic.cfmeu.asn.au 

Q: What bonus payments are made to apprentices for sticking out their time?
A: The federal government's Tools For Your Trade payment offers $3,800 tax-free in five installments over over the life of an apprenticeship.

• $800 after 3 months
• $800 after 12 months
• $800 after 24 months
• $700 after 36 months
• $700 upon completion

The Victorian Government also pays $250 after 6 months and 12 months.

Q: Should I be working unsupervised?
A: No. An apprentice can not be left alone or unsupervised on a site.
In Victoria, young workers have the highest proportion of work-related injury – 17% higher than the average across all ages (Worksafe).

For further information email CFMEU Appprenticeship Officer Liam O'Hearn liamo@vic.cfmeu.asn.au