Effective 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Ombudsman has amended specific pay rates in the pay guide for the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2020 (MA000020).

These changes primarily affect certain second-year apprentices working in general building and construction (non-residential) roles.

Who Is Affected?

The amended rates apply to apprentices who started after 1 January 2014 and are in their

2nd year or stage 2:

 specialist or plasterer

• Did not complete Year 12
• Completed Year 12

Glazier, painter or signwriter

• Did not complete Year 12
• Completed Year 12

Which Rates Have Been Updated?

The following penalty and overtime rates have been amended for these apprentice classifications:

• Morning or early afternoon shift (5 in a row) – Monday to Friday
• Afternoon, night or early morning shift (5 in a row) – Monday to Friday
• Broken shifts (less than 38 hours worked over 5 in a row) – Monday to Friday – first 2 hours
• Broken shifts (less than 38 hours worked over 5 in a row) – Monday to Friday – after 2 hours
• Overtime – Monday to Friday – shiftwork
• Overtime – Saturday after Good Friday – shiftwork
• Less than 8-hour break between shifts – change to shift

Why This Matters for Construction Employers

Even small changes to apprentice rates and shift/overtime loadings can create underpayment risks if payroll systems are not updated promptly. Apprentices are a priority area for the Fair Work Ombudsman, and incorrect rates (especially on shiftwork or broken shifts) are a common source of claims in the building and construction sector.

 

Practical Steps for Employers

1. Check whether you currently employ any second-year apprentices in the classifications listed above (caster, fixer, floorlayer specialist, plasterer, glazier, painter or signwriter) on non-residential work.
2. Update your payroll system with the new rates effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
3. Review any shiftwork, broken shift or overtime payments for these apprentices to ensure the amended loadings are applied.
4. Cross-check the latest Fair Work pay guide for the Building and Construction General On-Site Award to confirm the exact figures.
5. Keep clear records of the rates applied and the date of the change.

At HR Bridge Australia, we regularly support construction and trade businesses with Award interpretation, apprentice rate reviews and payroll compliance updates — particularly around the annual 1 July wage changes. Getting these details right protects both your apprentices and your business.

If you would like us to review the specific rates that apply to your apprentices or update your payroll settings, we are here to help.