Minimum Wage Act 1983 s 4A; Minimum Wage Order 2021
If you’re a “starting-out” worker or a trainee worker, the minimum wage rate is usually 80% of the adult minimum rate.
You’re a starting-out worker if you’re in one of the following three categories:
you’re 16 or 17, and you’re yet to complete six months’ employment with your current employer
you’re 18 or 19 and you’ve been on a benefit for six months or more, and you’ve yet to complete six months’ employment with any single employer since you started getting the benefit, or
you’re 16, 17, 18 or 19, and you’re doing at least 40 credits a year of industry training as part of your employment agreement.
You’re a trainee worker if:
you’re 20 or older, and
you’re doing at least 60 credits a year of industry training as part of your employment agreement.
If you’re supervising or training other workers, however, you’re entitled to be paid the adult minimum wage – even if you’d otherwise be classed as a starting-out or trainee worker.