The Tradie Playbook is a free, independent guide for Australian apprentices and tradespeople. Our job is simple: take the money, licences, tickets, tools, rights and real-life stuff that affects tradies — and explain it in plain English, in one place.
Why we exist
If you’ve ever tried to work out what payments you can claim as an apprentice, or what a licence really costs, you’ll know the information is everywhere and nowhere. It’s spread across dozens of government pages, buried in policy language, split state by state, and often published by someone trying to sell you a course, a loan or a placement.
We think that’s backwards. So we pull it all together, cut the jargon, and point you straight to the official source so you can check it yourself.
What we cover
- Money & Schemes — apprentice payments, loans, allowances, rebates and tax basics.
- Getting Started & Training — finding an apprenticeship, Fee-Free TAFE, and your options.
- Licences & Tickets — White Card, forklift, EWP, driver’s licence and trade licences, without the dodgy providers.
- Tools & Gear — buying smart, state tool rebates, insurance and deductions.
- Rights & Pay — award wages, payslips and your rights on site.
- Life & Wellbeing — surviving on an apprentice wage, moving out, and where to turn on a tough day.
How we keep it straight
Every guide links to the official government or industry source, shows a “last checked” date, and gets reviewed when the figures change (rates are usually indexed on 1 January and 1 July). We’d rather send you to the right place than pretend we’re the final word.
Our promise: we sell nothing
We don’t sell courses, loans, insurance, tools or placements. We’re not sponsored by a training organisation and we don’t run ads pushing you toward one. That means we can be honest about what’s worth it and what isn’t — which is exactly the point.
One important note
Everything here is general information, not personal financial, legal or tax advice. Always check the official source and get proper advice for your situation. See our Terms of Use & Disclaimer for the full detail.
Get in touch
Spotted something out of date, or got a topic you want covered? Email contact@tradieplaybook.com.au — we read everything.