Are apprentices eligible to be Protect members?
ELIGIBILITY IS DETERMINED BY YOUR AGREEMENT
Apprentices may be eligible for Protect income protection and counselling services, depending on your workplace agreement.
Apprentices are usually not included in workplace agreements for severance payments.
Please check with your union or give us a call to determine your eligibility.
Contact our Member Services Team on 1300 344 249 or via info@protect.net.au
Information for apprentices
What we do
A good job doesn’t just pay well, it will also have great conditions and that’s where Protect can help. We’ve worked with unions and employers since 2000 to bring workers some of the best employment benefits in the country.
We provide three products and services:
- A severance & redundancy scheme
- Income protection insurance
- Personal counselling
Protect members may just have a severance account, some may have severance and income protection insurance. All Protect members are provided access to free counselling.
Supporting apprentices
We have been a proud sponsor of NECA Education and Careers for many years including supporting their annual Excellence Awards. We are also the long time prize sponsor of the NECA Apprentice of the Year Award. Extending on the support for apprentices, Protect is now the major sponsor of Future Energy Skills the not-for-profit industry-led organisation working with Victoria's electrotechnology, gas and new energy technology sectors.
The Future Energy Skills annual Protect Endeavour Award recognises the achievement of an electrical apprentice who has overcome adversity, dedicating themselves to completing their apprenticeship and achieving their goal to become an Energy Safe Victoria A Grade licensed electrician.
Who are our members?
We have members working in all types of roles across Australia:
- electrician
- seafarer
- firefighter
- metalworker
- rail
- maintenance
- construction
- manufacturing
- mechanical engineer
- telecommunications
- fitter and tuner
- linesperson
- rigger
- lift mechanic
How to join Protect
Becoming a Protect member starts with the collective decision at the workplace to introduce one of our benefits into the agreement that determines your conditions of employment.
Once agreed, your employer will then register you with Protect and pay severance contributions and/or income protection insurance premiums to us on your behalf. The amounts paid will be in accordance with the terms of a certified industrial agreement, such as an enterprise or site agreement.
Unfortunately, you cannot register yourself as a Protect member. Speak to your union for assistance negotiating Protect into your workplace agreement.
Information on how employers join Protect can be found here.
Frequently asked questions
Sometimes, but you'll need to check
Agreements that include income protection for non-apprentices will usually also include it for apprentices. Entitlement to severance contributions however, depends on your workplace agreement. In the electrical contracting industry, for example, it's usually only after completing your apprenticeship that you are entitled to receive severance payments.
Please check with your union or give us a call to determine your eligibility. Contact our Member Services Team on 1300 344 249 or via info@protect.net.au
Your union
The following union branches support Protect, get in touch to find out if you are eligibile for Protect coverage:
Civil Construction
Electrical
Fire Rescue
Maritime
- MUA National office
- MUA NSW Branch
- MUA Qld Branch
- MUA SA Branch
- MUA Tas Branch
- MUA Vic Branch
- MUA WA Branch
Metals
... and we're here to help
Our Member Services Team is available to answer membership questions. Calling 1300 344 249 or emailng info@protect.net.au will also grant you access to our Field Officers.
The Protect Field Team travel the country meeting with members, detailing the benefits available and assisting with claims.
To secure their worker's benefits
Employers contribute to a Protect severance account on behalf of their workers to provide a safety net for them in case they become unemployed. Workers with a Protect account may make a claim due to:
- Redundancy
- Resignation
- Termination
- End of contract
- Promotion to an above award position
- Total and permanent disability
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A policy that pays a benefit to you
If you have an illness or injury that arises from your work you would usually be compensated by WorkCover in Australia or the ACC in New Zealand. Protect income protection insurance pays out benefits to members who are unable to work due to a non-work related injury or illness. The cover is global, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Protect benefits have been negotiated into your workplace agreement
Your employer has registered you with Protect because they are paying severance contributions and/or income protection insurance premiums to us on your behalf. The amounts paid will be in accordance with the terms of the industrial agreement that determines your pay and conditions, such as your enterprise bargaining agreement.
Severance or income protection contribution amounts differ for Protect members working under different agreements. You can contact your employer to access your agreement, or search via the Fair Work Commission website.
Only people registered by a Protect contributing employer can become worker members of Protect.
Expect a welcome pack and access to your membership card
Once your employer registers you with Protect, you will receive a welcome message with your membership number and information regarding the Protect services available to you. You may be eligible for a severance account, income protection or both. All members have access to free counselling.
Do I have to do anything?
1. Download the Protect App:
The ‘Protect Services’ App is available for download from the App Store or Google Play. The App lets you:
- Review employer contributions
- Check your current account balance
- Lodge a severance claim
- Access income protection claim forms
- View your membership card
- Change your password or contact details
- Contact us
2. Activate your account:
Using the membership number emailed to you and the contact details we have recorded on our database, you may activate your online account using either the Protect App or our website workers login portal
- Select 'new to Protect' on the App or ‘register for online access’ at the portal
- Verify your contact details and set a password so that you may then log in to manage your account. Note that the log in you create will work for both the App and portal.
Please note: unless we have your correct contact details, the generate password feature will not be useful to you. If you have any difficulty please call us on 1300 344 249.
Unfortunately no
EMPLOYERS JOIN PROTECT AND SIGN UP THEIR EMPLOYEES AS WORKER MEMBERS
Protect is limited to accepting contributions made under an industrial agreement and cannot accept registration of, or contributions from, individuals. This maintains the Fringe Benefits Tax exempt status of severance contributions to Protect, as an Australian Tax Office recognised Approved Worker Entitlement Fund. Protect income protection insurance is only offered as community cover, keeping premiums down and coverage up.
For more information:
Speak to your union for information on negotiating Protect into your workplace agreement.
Employers interested in joining can use our online enquiry form to kick off the application process or contact our Employer Relations Manager.
Income protection brochures are available by industry
Copies of Protect Injury and Sickness Wording and Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) can be requested from ATC Insurance Solutions.
Download IP claim forms here
Australian Claim Forms
- Injury and Sickness Claim Form
- Accidental Dental Injury Claim Form
- Broken Bone Claim Form
- Accidental Death Claim Form
- Funeral Benefit Claim Form
New Zealand Claim Forms
For further claim information visit our Claim page
Protect administers insurance products for ATC Insurance Solutions. Once your claim form is complete keep a copy and deliver the original to:
ATC Insurance Solutions
Level 4, 451 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9258 1770
Freecall: 1800 994 694
Email: info@atcis.com.au
Accidental dental injury that occurs outside of work
Members with Protect's income protection insurance cover, and their dependent family members, are covered for accidental dental injuries that occur outside of work however, cover is not provided for normal maintenance of dental health. Up to four claims per family are permitted each year.
Claim forms are available at our Claim page.
What happens if I suffer a dental injury at work?
Workers compensation provides protection for work-related injuries.
For more comprehensive information on your dental cover please download your industry income protection brochure, available above or from your industry page, or speak to one of our Field Officers.
Additional benefits
Protect Extra Cover provides additional insurance benefits exclusive to financial members of the union policy holder.
These benefits may include:
- extended cover
- family ambulance cover
- increased funeral expenses
- emergency home help
- domestic assistance
- chauffeur plan
Union members should check their policy brochure to see if any of these benefits apply.
Copies of Protect Injury and Sickness Wording and Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) can be requested from ATC Insurance Solutions.
Check your policy
Download
Electrical, Rail & Lift
Standard Injury & Sickness Cover
Fire Rescue
Firefighter Injury & Illness Cover
Metals
Maritime
Maritime Injury & Illness Cover
Civil Construction
Download a claim form
Protect administers insurance products for ATC Insurance Solutions. You can go directly to the ATC site for comprehensive information about claiming, or simply access the relevant claim form here:
-
Australian Claim Forms
- Injury and Sickness Claim Form
- Accidental Dental Injury Claim Form
- Broken Bone Claim Form
- Accidental Death Claim Form
- Funeral Benefit Claim Form
New Zealand Claim Forms
For further claiming information vist the Claim page.
Lodge your claim form
Once completed, keep a copy and deliver the original to:
ATC Insurance Solutions
Level 4, 451 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9258 1770
Freecall: 1800 994 694
Email: info@atcis.com.au
Here to help
Sections of your claim form will need to be completed by you and others by your employer or medical practitioner. If you strike a hurdle, don't be shy in giving us a call. The Protect Field Team are independent of the insurer and work with members to ensure claims progress as smoothly as possible. Officers can visit you at home, at work, or at the hospital if need be, to assist you with your claim.
(Pictured L-R) Field Officers: Steve, Brett, Joyce, Gary, Craig, John & Glenn can be contacted via our Member Services Team on 1300 344 249. You can also leave a message for any one of them through their direct contacts linked below.
From the insurer
Copies of Protect Injury and Sickness Wording and Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) can be requested from ATC Insurance Solutions.
The Protect Field Team
The Protect Field Team are independent of the insurer and work with members to ensure claims progress as smoothly as possible. (Pictured L-R) Field Officers: Glenn, Gary, Steve, Brett, Joyce, Craig & John can be contacted via our Member Services Team on 1300 344 249. You can also leave a message for any one of them through their direct contacts linked below.
Phone 1300 725 881
Call Protect Counselling on 1300 725 881 (free call) for immediate access to our independent counselling service.
The service operates Australia-wide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available to Protect employers, workers and their immediate family, irrespective of your industry via a free phone service. Free face-to-face sessions at an independent location, as well as on-site counselling services in response to emergency situations are also available.
Over the phone, online or in person
Counselling is provided by trained professionals and is offered over the phone, online or through face-to-face sessions (dependent on any COVID restrictions at the time). Male and female counsellors are available and this free, confidential service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, accessible Australia-wide.
Face-to-face sessions can be arranged near you. Protect Counselling has access to more than 170 qualified professionals throughout Australia, including regional centres.
Yes
Protect Counselling is available to all immediate family members: 1300 725 881
Your family may also make free use of the Hunterlink online ‘Counselling Portal’ for access to self-assessment tools, information on work-related, personal and mental well-being matters.
Login with the password: Protect
No referral required
You do not need a referral to access Protect counselling. There is no wait time and every call is answered by a professional counsellor.
Counselling portal
Members can access the Hunterlink online ‘Counselling Portal’ for access to self-assessment tools, information on work-related, personal and mental well-being matters.
Login with the password: Protect
Please note - the portal is part of Protect’s overall counselling service offering, however we strongly encourage you to call 1300 725 881 (free call) as your first priority.
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Dealing with a pandemic
Hunterlink resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic:
Download
- Help with anxiety
- Mindest shift during pandemic
- Working from home
- Managing a team working from home
- The discomfort you are feeling is grief
It's a handy tool for worker members
The App is a tool to assist workers manage their Protect account. It's especially handy for those with a severance account, you can lodge a claim in seconds using the App.
- Check your account balance
- Display your membership card
- Track employer contributions, paid or outstanding
- Lodge a severance claim
- Access IP claim forms
- View your severance claims history
- Update your account password or contact details
- Contact us or check the latest Protect news
Once your have been registered as Protect member and provided a membership number, you may use the App to generate a password and start using our online services. Simply select the 'new to Protect' link and follow the prompts.
Download the Aussie Protect App:
. 
Download the New Zealand Protect App:
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Aussie links
Australian Apple users:
Australian Android users:
New Zealand link
New Zealand Apple users:
USE the App:
- Download the Protect Services App
Australian links: App Store and Google Play
New Zealnad link: App Store - Select ‘new to Protect’
Follow the prompts to verify your contact details and set yourself a password.
Two factor authentication (2FA) is enabled. The App will send you a unique one-time passcode via text message to complete login. 2FA will then be required for all future App access. Facial recognition is also enabled and will avoid repeated password entry requirements.
or... USE the workers portal:
- Jump online
Once you have been provided your membership number, new members should visit the workers portal, accessible via the yellow worker login button on every page of this website.
- Select ‘Register for online access’
Follow the prompts to verify your contact details and set yourself a password. Please allow up to ten minutes for your password to be registered on our system. You may then log in to manage your account.
What if I have already had access and have forgotten my password?
Both the App and workers portal have a ‘forgotten password’ feature that you can use to reset your access at your convenience.
How many passwordS will I need?
Just one. Once you have set yourself a new password, your login details will work for both the App and workers portal.
Why can't I generate a password?
Unless we have your correct date of birth and contact details including email address and mobile number, the generate password feature will not be useful to you. If you have any difficulty please call us on 1300 344 249.
The log in area for worker members
Account management features available to you via the Protect Services App are also available online. Log in to the worker's portal using the yellow button available at the top right of every page of this website.
The Protect App
Great for accessing your account via your phone, tracking contributions and submitting claims. There are two versions, one for Australians and one for New Zealanders available for the usual places.
Download the Aussie Protect App:
. 
Download the New Zealand Protect App:
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The online workers portal
Features available to you via the App are also available online. Log in to the worker's portal using the yellow button available at the top right of every page of this website.
Select the link to reset your password
You can use the 'forgotten password' feature on the App or via the workers portal to reset your password.
- Select the 'forgot password' link.
- Enter your membership number or the email address we have on file for you.
- For security purposes you will be sent a verification code if using the App. Enter the code when directed and you may then reset your password. If you're using the workers portal you will be sent a link to complete the update process.
Having trouble?
If you don't know your membership number, or we do not have your correct contact details, you will not be able to make use of the 'forgot password' feature on either the Protect App or workers portal. Instead, please email or use the 'contact us form' to request access to your online account.
Here for you when you need a hand
Jimmy, a first-year apprentice electrician was employed under an ETU EBA when he suffered severe injuries during a home invasion. Off work for four months, Jimmy needed a full hand reconstruction, the same as his plumber mate who was also attacked in the incident. The difference between the two? The electrician had Protect income protection insurance, the plumber was not so lucky.
AU & NZ Counselling Phone Numbers
Protect counselling is a free confidential service for individuals seeking support, as well as employers and workers wanting advice on the best method to assist colleagues dealing with a range of concerns:
