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Financial Incentives

Employers may be eligible for financial incentives from the Australian Government for taking on and training Australian Apprentices. These incentives include:

 

Standard Incentives

Most employers will be eligible for the standard commencement and completion incentives which include:

  • $1250 paid after the commencement of a Certificate 2
  • $1500 paid after the commencement of a Certificate 3 or 4
  • Up to $2500 paid after the completion of a Certificate 3 or 4
  • $750 paid after the recommencement of a Certificate 3 or 4 level Australian Apprentice


Innovation Incentive

The Government is committed to building Australia’s competitive advantage in both emerging and traditional industries. To do this industry needs to have access to people who can understand, apply and manage enabling technologies considered crucial for innovation.

Key sources of innovation include pharmaceutical, aircraft, electronics and chemical industries, as well as the major utilities. The Innovation Apprenticeships Incentive provides for an additional $1,100 incentive paid on commencement in an identified occupation.


School-Based Apprenticeships Incentive

These incentives are designed particularly to support employers who provide ongoing employment opportunities for School-Based Apprentices, assisting them to make a smooth transition from school to work.

Employers may be eligible for an additional $750 commencement incentive for employing an Australian Apprentice in an endorsed School Based Apprenticeship at Certificate II to IV level; and $750 for continuing to employ the young person after the student has completed Year 12. 


Mature Aged Worker Incentive

The Australian Government has a broad commitment to providing support for mature aged workers. Disadvantaged mature aged workers face particular barriers to employment and training. Therefore an employer of a disadvantaged worker (aged 45 years or older) may attract a special $750 Mature Aged Worker Commencement Incentive and an $750 Mature Aged Worker Completion Incentive.


Rural / Regional Incentive

The rural and regional Australian Apprenticeships initiative provides employers in non-metropolitan areas an additional $1,000 incentive payment when their Australian Apprentice progresses from Certificate II training to Certificate III / IV training in an occupation that is identified as being in skill shortage.


Declared Drought Areas Incentive

Employers who employ eligible Certificate II Australian Apprentices may also be eligible for an additional $1,500 incentive if they have a current Execptional Circumstances Drought Area Certificate.


Apprentices with a Disability Assistance

Commonwealth financial assistance is available for eligible employers who recruit a Certificate II to IV level Australian Apprentice with a disability. Assistance may include a wage support payment, tutorial, interpreter and mentor services. Assistance may also be available for leasing or purchasing essential equipment or modifying the workplace to accommodate a Australian Apprentice with a disability.


Indigenous Apprentices Assistance

A subsidy is available for eligible employers who provide job opportunities for eligible indigenous job seekers. The program provides employers with a wage subsidy (up to $4,400 paid over 26 weeks for a full-time worker) as an incentive to give employment to an indigenous person. For more information contact Wage Assistance (www.wageassistance.gov.au).


Waiting Periods

There is a three month waiting period before an employer can apply for any of the Australian Government Commencement Incentives for an Australian Apprentice. The Apprenticeship/Traineeship Training Contract must be formally approved. The Australian Apprentice must still be employed by the same employer and must have commenced training in accordance with the approved Training Program.