The Service Trades College Australia is a centre of excellence for trade and post trade training in commercial plumbing, mechanical services (air-conditioning) and fire protection.

Our Workplace Relations team is regularly asked what the basic Award entitlements are for a permanent employee, so we have created a brief overview of the basic minimum entitlements under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2010.

MPAQ, as part of Master Plumbers Australia, has been successful in a submission to the Fair Work Commission to delay an increase to the national minimum wage for adult apprentices. This increase is now in line with the increase to the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2010, which will take place from 1 November 2020.

Just how jolly is considered acceptable when it comes to office Christmas party conduct? Office Christmas parties are a great way for employers to reward and thank their employees for all of their hard work throughout the year.

Do you have casual employees? Have they been employed on regular and systematic hours? Read on as your business may need to review the type of employment arrangements that are in place.

The Fair Work Commission has announced a 3.5% increase to minimum wages. The increase will apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2018.

End-of-year celebrations can promote office relationships. They can also increase staff morale and are an ideal opportunity for management to thank their employees for their services throughout the year, but it is not uncommon for the festivities to get out of hand.

Find out at what point you are required to pay your apprentices and tradesperson wage.

Helpful resources for employers to assist in employee management and the general running of a plumbing business.

Information on the use and purpose of workers compensation in your business including the relevant State workers compensation regulator.

MPAQ would like to remind members that Friday 26 January 2018 is a public holiday for Australia Day. Due to this public holiday there may be some changes to the pay rates of some employees on the day, so check out this guide to ensure that you are paying your staff correctly.

For many years, suicide prevention and mental health have been seen predominately as home issues that come to work; however, MPAQ is promoting the importance of mental health and wellbeing and aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness in the construction industry.