National Apprenticeship Week: a ‘super’ start for new apprentices

 

12 February 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

 

As tens of thousands of apprentice tradies pick up the tools for the first time, CBUS Super is launching a National Apprenticeship Week Australia awareness campaign encouraging them to check they’re getting their full super and stay alert to financial scams

A number of recent and upcoming changes to super will help new apprentices build strong foundations from the start.

This year’s intake will be the first to receive a 12% Super Guarantee throughout their working lives. And from 1 July, payday super will mean contributions are paid more often — helping workers stay on top of what they’re owed and making it harder for unpaid super to slip through the cracks, especially in building and construction.

Construction remains one of the largest employers of young people aged 15–19, with more than 62,000 full-time and 12,000 part-time workers in the industry*.

CBUS Acting Chief Member Officer Tom Garcia said the super system was setting new apprentices up to build a confident financial future, “This is the time of year when many young people are starting new apprenticeships, filling out paperwork and making choices about their super and insurance.

“With the Super Guarantee now at 12% — and payday super just around the corner — young workers have every opportunity to grow their retirement savings from day one.

“These reforms give young workers a fairer go and help set up financial security now and into the future.”

Tom Garcia said proposed changes to the Low-Income Super Tax Offset (LISTO) from 1 July 2027 would also support low-income workers, including thousands of CBUS apprentice members. Draft legislation proposes raising the LISTO cap from $500 to $810 to help workers on lower incomes build their savings.

 

Parents can help with super

Parents of new apprentices are encouraged to stay involved as their teenager or young adult starts work.

“Apprentices often tell us that mum or dad is their first port of call for money questions. With so many kicking off their careers at the start of the year, it’s a great time for a quick chat about checking their super and insurance,” Tom Garcia said.

“Retirement feels a long way off when you’re just starting on the tools, but getting the basics right early can make a real difference.

“And talking about online scams targeting super — and social media scams like so-called ‘free super surveys’ — can help young people avoid being pushed into risky or high-fee schemes. Super is a long-term asset, not a get-rich-quick opportunity.”

CBUS also encourages apprentices and parents to look at the insurance that comes with their chosen super fund. CBUS provides automatic cover for under-25s in the manual occupation category from their first day on the job (many other funds require young workers to opt in).

“One in five jobs in Australia are considered hazardous. When you’re working at heights or with heavy machinery, the right cover gives real peace of mind,” Tom Garcia said.

“It only takes a quick online check to make sure you’re covered.”

 

The CBUS super health check for apprentices

This National Apprenticeship Week, CBUS is encouraging apprentices to:

  • Take a moment to understand what’s in your training contract.
  • Check your payslip to make sure your super is being paid.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions about super. CBUS has face-to-face services including local workplace coordinators and front counters who can help.
  • Set up your account properly — look at your investment options and nominate a beneficiary.
  • If you’ve had a few jobs, check you don’t have multiple super accounts. Rolling them into one can help avoid extra fees.
  • See if you’re eligible for the Government co-contribution of up to $500.
  • Be cautious on social media. ‘Free super surveys’ are often scams designed to push people into risky or high-cost investments.

CBUS has created a tailored guide for apprentices starting out — find out more in the CBUS apprentice handbook here.

CBUS has also launched a new campaign ‘build your something’ demonstrating how CBUS is the smart choice to partner with members at every stage of their working lives from apprenticeship to retirement.

 

Media enquiries: media@cbussuper.com.au or +61 3 9100 4930

 

 

*December 2025 Australian Labour Force data.

CBUS Super is the leading Industry Super Fund representing those that help build, maintain and shape Australia. As one of Australia’s largest super funds, we provide superannuation and income stream accounts to more than 925,000 members and we manage more than $110 billion of our members’ money (as at 31 December 2025). As of April 2022, CBUS merged with Media Super and offers Media Super products. In May 2023 CBUS Super successfully completed its merger with EISS Super, welcoming 17,000 new members and establishing itself as the leading fund for energy and electrical workers in Australia.

Issued 12 February 2026. United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as trustee for Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund (CBUS and/or CBUS Super) ABN 75 493 363 262.

This information is about CBUS Super. It doesn’t account for your specific needs. Please consider your financial position, objectives and requirements before making financial decisions. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination to decide if CBUS Super is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au

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