Award Changes: introductory classifications
Feb 28, 2025From 01 January 2025 the Fair Work Commission introduced changes time limits for employees engaged under an introductory level award classification. Find out more below!
Introductory level classifications
Many awards have classification levels for entry-level roles, often referred to as 'C14', 'level 1' or 'introductory'. The introductory classification covers the employee first stage of a job, such as the initial induction period, time spent undertaking training or a period used to gain basic skill and experience required for the job.
Fair Work has now introduced a 6 month time limit for employees classified at an introductory level. Some awards stipulate an employee can progress to the next classification before they've reached the maximum 6 month limit. This is often based on the employee demonstrating competency in the role or achieving a required qualification.
This change applies to the following awards:
01 January 2025:
- Airline Ground Staff Award
- Amusement Award
- Animal and Veterinary Services Award
- Australian Government Award
- Dry Cleaning and Laundry Award
- Fitness Award
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing Award
- Funeral Award
- Graphic Arts and Printing Award
- Joinery Award
- Live Performance Award
- Manufacturing Award
- Marine Tourism and Charter Vessels Award
- Meat Award
- Pest Control Award
- Port Authorities Award
- Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Associated Industries Award
- Timber Award
- Travelling Shows Award
- Vehicle Award
From 01 April 2025:
- Horticulture Award
Example:
Erin has recently started working at a theatre covered by the Live Performance Award. Erin has no previous experience working in this role or industry.
The entry-level classification under the Live Performance Award is a Level 1 Production and Support Staff. Erin is undertaking training in tasks such as basic cleaning duties, applying basic theatre terminology and etiquette and effective customer service.
The theatre manager is taking Erin through a 6 week induction.
As per the award, after 3 months Erin cannot be engaged as a level 1 and will move to a Production and Support staff Level 2.
Action -
If your award is listed above and you are currently classified under as an introductory level employee, we recommend checking the relevant award to see the length of time you can be engaged under this level (see steps below). With the changes in mind, this period shouldn't be longer than 6 months now.
In the event you are outside the period stated in the award, we recommend having a discussion with your employer.
How to navigate an award:
- Google your award or select from the list here
- Using the table of contents on the left hand side, scroll down to 'Classification Definitions' - often towards the end of the award
- this section has a breakdown of each classification level, the requirements, key duties and level of supervision
- The introductory level will be found at the start. Here you can check for the applicable time limit an employee can be engaged at this level.
If you have any questions or curious if this impacts you please feel free to reach out to the team at Employii via [email protected]. We are more than happy to help!
Author: Jess Roughsedge (HR Consultant)
