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In this report apprentice earnings are compared to those of: (a) qualified tradespersons; (b) unskilled labourers; (c) minimum wages; (d) average male earnings (as used in the Henderson Poverty Line); (e) Newstart (Australian government benefit paid to the unemployed); and, (f) government developed Indicative Budget Standards for Australia. Key findings from the report include: a sample of six representative occupations shows that in all cases, awards for minimum pay for first year apprentices are below the Henderson Poverty Line; based on the Indicative Budget Standards, the modest but adequate living standard is unattainable for first year apprentices unless they receive large allowances as part of their award; allowances can substantially augment income in some industries; school leavers who engage directly in paid work are paid a junior wage, typically $40 to $70 higher than a first year apprentice; a comparison with the unemployment benefit (Newstart) shows that when the value of its cash and non-cash components is taken into account, a first year apprentice’s standard of living is barely above that of the unemployed; second year apprentices are not that much better off; they universally earn above the poverty line though their standard of living is austere. Show less