FAQ'S

How long does my apprenticeship last?

A standard apprenticeship lasts for four years, an adult apprenticeship (available to those over 22 years of age) lasts for two years with the exception of Painting & Decorating Adult Apprentices, and this is a three year scheme.

I am registered under SBATC as an Apprentice, training towards an SVQ Level 3, on a four year scheme - What should I be paid?

The apprentice’s rates are promulgated during June of each year.

View the current rates of pay by following this link - Apprentice Promulgation effective from 30 June 2008 - These rates are the minimum which can be paid. An apprentice shall also be due an increment each year as he progresses through his apprenticeship.

Apprentices should be paid regularly and receive a payslip detailing gross pay, deductions and net pay.

Deductions or not applying any increase due in respect of poor performance cannot be made from wages due to an apprentice. These matters should be dealt with under the formal disciplinary procedures.

I am registered under SBATC as an Apprentice, training towards an SVQ Level 3, on a two year scheme – What should I be paid?

This is a Two Year Scheme with a certain criteria – click here to view criteria – Two Year Apprenticeship Scheme Criteria – All of the above rules apply – however there is a separate rate structure – follow this link to view the current rates – Two Year Scheme Rates of Pay.

I am registered under SBATC as a Painting & Decorating Apprentice – training towards an SVQ Level 3, on a Three Year Apprenticeship Scheme – What should I be paid?

To view these rates, as promulgated by Scottish Painting Council follow this link Three Year Scheme Rates of Pay only applicable to Painting and Decorating Apprentices.

What elements make up an apprenticeship?

You must serve, as an employee of a Company the time served element in the relevant discipline.

SVQ Level 3 - apprentices must attend college and achieve their full SVQ Level 3 in their relevant discipline.

A practical test undertaken towards the end of the apprenticeship, known as a Skills Test or Integrative Assessment must be taken and passed this test must be passed in order to become a recognised craftsman. However please be aware that you may be able to re-sit your test should you fail on the first occasion.

What hours should I be working?

Please view WR.3 – Working Hours for further details on this entitlement

Should I be paid overtime?

Please view WR.4 – Overtime Rates for further details on this entitlement

Should I be paid Travel & Fare Allowance?

Please view WR.5 Daily Fare and Traveling Allowance for further details on this entitlement. To view the current travelling table please follow this link – WR.5 Travelling Table

What Holiday Entitlement am I due?

Apprentices are entitled to 21 days paid annual leave each year (calculated pro-rata to service) and 8 days public holidays.

Please view WR.18 & 19 Annual and Public Holiday Entitlement for full details on this entitlement.

I’m off sick – Am I due any payment?

All apprentices are entitled to SSP (Statutory Sick Pay) if they satisfy the conditions.

Apprentices aged 18 years and over are also entitled to Industry Sick Pay (ISP). If an apprentice earns less than the sum of ISP and SSP, they will be paid SSP topped up by a portion of ISP to equal their normal wage. The aggregate amount of SSP plus Industry Sick Pay shall not exceed a normal weeks pay.

Please view WR.20 Amount and Duration of Payment of Industry Sick Pay for full details on this entitlement.

I have concerns over a Health and Safety Matter – what should I do?

The construction industry takes the matter of Health and Safety very seriously. Any apprentice who has a query about any H&S issue should discuss it with their employers in the first instance, and if still not satisfied then should contact their Training Advisor or SBATC directly.

I feel I am being mistreated by my Employer - What should I do?

If you have any concerns over your terms or conditions of employment, including payment, we would suggest you raise a formal grievance with your Employer in an attempt to resolve any issues. Guidance notes on how to go about this can be found in the Document Download area of this site.