The psychological contract in apprenticeships and traineeships: Comparing the perceptions of employees and employers

This paper compares the perceptions of Australian apprentices/trainees and employers of apprentices/trainees in relation to the psychological contract: the unwritten mutual expectations employers and employees have of each other. A random sample of apprentices and trainees and employers of apprentices/trainees from Victoria and Queensland completed surveys. Despite significant differences, the overall mean ratings suggest that the psychological contract is being met well for both parties. Implications of the research for psychological contracts and for apprenticeships/traineeships are discussed.