AS MANY as 1000 electrical apprentices across Queensland could be underpaid by up to $4 an hour.

The discovery follows a decision handed down by the Fair Work Commission late on Friday evening which found some apprentice's weekly earnings were below the poverty line.

It ruled All Trades Queensland's Apprentices agreement should be measured against the Modern Award of $12.66 an hour, not the State Award of $8.75.

All Trades Queensland's EBA pays Apprentices $9.75 an hour.

ETU Apprentices Officer Scott Reichman said the decision would mean the majority of apprentices employed in Queensland Group Training Organisations like All Trades, were due for a much-needed pay increase.

"There are about 1800 electrical apprentices in group training organisations across Queensland and about 1000 of those are being paid under the state award, which is more than $100 a week less than the poverty line,” he said.

"We have argued this kind of exploitation of apprentices has been driving young people away from our industry as they struggle to afford to pay for transport, food or rent.

"It has now been proven this is the wrong award, and we want to ensure our most vulnerable workers are being paid the correct rate.

"We encourage any Apprentices who are unsure whether they are being paid at the right rate to contact the ETU office as soon as possible to begin pursuing their entitlements.”

The Group Training Organisation has 21 days to appeal the decision before both parties make submissions into whether the company's apprentices agreement meets the Better Off Overall test.