What if I’ve never signed a training agreement or a contract of training yet I’m told I am a trainee?

A traineeship is only legally recognised where the trainee and the employer both sign a training agreement or contract of training. The agreement then has to be lodged with the state or territory training authority, usually within three months of commencement of employment. If not, you’re actually not a trainee and the employer is legally obliged to pay you the ordinary wages an employee employed in the same job would have received.

For further advice, contact your union if you’re a member. Alternately contact the ACTU Helpline on 1300 362 223. You can also contact your state or territory training authority for further assistance.