Whether you are doing a Cert 3 or a Diploma traineeship or thinking about doing a traineeship it’s a good idea to understand what wages you will be receiving and the conditions of your traineeship. 

From the 1st July, the Fair Work Commission has just announced an increase of the national minimum wage to 2.5% in Awards. Some allowances in some Awards will also change as a result of this increase. 

As an Educator in Australia, your pay rate falls under the Children’s Services Award 2010. This award states the minimum amount that an employer can pay you based on your qualification and your position while working in an early learning centre. This article will provide you with information on minimum wages, details of classification structure higher duties and allowances. The minimum wage table has been updated to reflect the 3.75% increase that is now in effect from 01 July 2024. 

According to the Children’s Services Award 2010, all employees fall under a classification structure, this determines their minimum wage. Each “level” gives a definition of what is expected of the employee, the qualifications required and the duties the employee should perform in order to be paid at that particular level. Below is the list of classifications for each level.

Is programming time included in your ordinary hours? Should you be paid overtime if a parent is running late to pick up a child? Staff meetings are compulsory, do you get paid?