YOUR PAY & ENTITLEMENTS
Note: Pay rates and entitlements are reviewed regularly by the Fair Work Commission and may change over time. The information on this page is based on the Award and conditions in place as of September 2025, and is subject to change.
How much will I get paid?
One of the first things Automotive Apprentices want to know is what their pay will look like. The answer depends on a few factors:
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The Award: All VACC apprentices are covered by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020. This Award sets out minimum wages and conditions for the automotive industry.
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Your age when you start: Apprentices under 21 are paid on junior rates, while those 21 and over start on adult rates.
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Your stage of apprenticeship: Each year you progress through your apprenticeship, your pay rate goes up. Progression can be time-based (after 12 months) or competency-based (when you complete training milestones).
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Annual updates: The Fair Work Commission reviews Award wages every year. If rates increase, your pay is adjusted in line with the new schedule.
Overtime, Penalty Rates, and Allowances
Beyond your base pay, you may earn extra depending on when you work and the type of tasks you do. These additional payments are set out in the Award and are designed to recognise things like working outside normal hours, covering extra costs, or compensating for less convenient shifts.
Overtime
Paid at higher rates if you work beyond your normal hours.
Penalty rates
Apply when you work at times that are considered less standard such as weekends or public holidays
Allowances
Certain costs, like travel or tools, may include additional payments under the Award.
Leave Entitlements
Apprentices receive the same leave entitlements as other employees under the National Employment Standards (NES) and the Award.
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Annual leave: 4 weeks per year, plus 17.5% leave loading when taken. Some workplaces have shutdown periods (e.g. Christmas), where annual leave must be used.
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Personal/carer’s leave: 10 days per year for illness or caring responsibilities. Medical certificates may be required.
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Compassionate leave: 2 days per occasion if an immediate family or household member passes away or suffers serious illness/injury.
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Public holidays: You’re entitled to be absent on public holidays unless reasonably asked to work, in which case penalty rates apply.
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Parental leave: Up to 12 months unpaid (with the option to request another 12 months if eligible), alongside access to the Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme.
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Unpaid leave: Can be requested if you don’t have enough accrued leave.
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Family & domestic violence leave: 10 days paid leave per year.
Superannuation
Superannuation is money put aside for your retirement, on top of your normal pay.
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VACC pays super contributions into your chosen fund.
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If you don’t have one, you can choose to sign up to our default fund, Care Super, which has a strong history in the motor trades.
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You can also choose to make voluntary contributions, which can help grow your balance over time.
Even though retirement feels far away, your super grows quickly and will be one of your most important assets in the future.
Timesheets & Payslips
Getting paid on time depends on keeping your timesheets up to date and checking your payslips regularly. Both are important for making sure your hours, leave, and entitlements are recorded correctly.
Timesheets
Submit a timesheet each week, approved by your host, and lodge it by Monday 5:00 pm. Missing the deadline may delay your pay.
Payslips
Pays are processed fortnightly on Wednesdays, with payslips available online. They show hours, pay, leave, tax, and super details.
Need Support?
Missed a timesheet deadline or noticed something wrong with your pay? Contact the VACC Payroll Team straight away:
