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Trial Day Framework
A structured approach to running a fair, legal, and genuinely useful trial day. Built for small residential and commercial trade businesses in WA.
Rate each area mentally during the day. You don't need to write anything down if you don't want to — but having a framework in your head keeps the assessment consistent.
- Did they show up on time?
- Were they ready to work?
- Did they ask good questions?
- How did they respond to direction?
- Is their skill level what they said?
- Do they use tools safely?
- Do they know what they don't know?
- Quality of their work
- Wearing correct PPE without being told?
- Aware of surroundings on site?
- Following safe work practices?
- Did they get along with the crew?
- Did they show initiative?
- Are they someone you'd want on site daily?
Call them — don't text an offer. Confirm the role, rate, start date and employment type. Follow up in writing.
If you're unsure, a second day is fine. Be clear about what you want to see more of. Still must be paid.
Call them. Be brief and professional: "Thanks for coming in — it's not quite the right fit for us at this stage." No detail needed.
Building & Construction Award MA000020
Effective from the first full pay period on or after 24 February 2026. Rates reflect the 3.5% increase from the Fair Work Commission's 2024–25 Annual Wage Review. These are minimum rates — you can always pay more.
| Level | Who | Base $/hr | Casual $/hr | Weekly (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW1 | Entry level labourer | $24.10 | $30.13 | $915.80 |
| CW2 | Experienced labourer | $25.10 | $31.38 | $953.80 |
| CW3 | Trade certificate / leading hand | $26.83 | $33.54 | $1,019.54 |
| CW4 | Advanced tradesperson | $28.36 | $35.45 | $1,077.68 |
| CW5 | Specialist tradesperson | $29.64 | $37.05 | $1,126.32 |
| CW6 | Supervisor | $31.07 | $38.84 | $1,180.66 |
| CW7 | Advanced supervisor | $32.82 | $41.03 | $1,247.16 |
| CW8 | Senior supervisor | $34.27 | $42.84 | $1,302.26 |
Casual rate includes 25% loading. Rates are minimums — effective from the first full pay period on or after 24 February 2026. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide MA000020.
Rates include industry allowance and tool allowance. Rates differ slightly depending on whether the apprentice has completed Year 12. Use the Fair Work Pay Calculator for exact figures per year and trade.
| Year | % of Tradesperson Rate | Approx. $/hr (CW3 base) | Approx. Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | ~42% of trade rate | ~$11.27 | ~$428 |
| 2nd Year | ~55% of trade rate | ~$14.76 | ~$561 |
| 3rd Year | ~75% of trade rate | ~$20.12 | ~$765 |
| 4th Year | ~88% of trade rate | ~$23.61 | ~$897 |
Approximate figures only — use the Fair Work PACT tool for exact amounts per trade and year. Rates include industry and tool allowances.
| When | Multiplier | Rate (CW1) |
|---|---|---|
| Overtime — first 2 hours | 1.5x | $36.15/hr |
| Overtime — after 2 hours | 2x | $48.20/hr |
| Saturday — first 2 hours | 1.5x | $36.15/hr |
| Saturday — after 2 hours | 2x | $48.20/hr |
| Sunday | 2x | $48.20/hr |
| Public Holiday | 2.5x | $60.25/hr |