Financial Support for Employers | Australian Apprenticeships Incentives
Purpose:
This grant system provides financial incentives to employers who hire and train apprentices and trainees.
Eligibility:
Available to businesses that employ apprentices or trainees across various industries in Australia.
Types of Support:
Incentives: Employers can access multiple financial incentives at different stages of an apprentice's training, including commencement, completion, and retention payments. There are three main grants:
Priority Hiring Incentive
The Priority Hiring Incentive is a payment for employers of Australian Apprentices training towards an occupation and qualification at a Certificate level III or above listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. You can use the Priority List Explorer to see which occupations and qualifications qualify for support.
You may be eligible to receive a Priority Hiring Incentive of up to $5000 in the first year of an apprenticeship, paid over two instalments of
-
- $2,000 at 6 months and $3,000 at 12 months (full- time)
- $1,000 at 6 months and $1,500 at 12 months (part-time)
Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS)
DAAWS is a weekly payment to employers who employ apprentices with disability.
You can receive $104.30 each week for:
- 12 months if the individual has a long term or permanent disability
- The length of the temporary disability
Am I eligible?
- You must be paying your apprentice at least $104.30 per week, or its part-time equivalent for the duration of the wage support
- Your apprentice must meet the disability eligibility criteria. Details can be found in Part E Assistance for Australian Apprentices with Disability of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System Guidelines.
The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System Guidelines outline the detailed eligibility for the Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support. Your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider is also able to advise you on your apprentice’s eligibility.
3. Priority Wage Subsidy
The Priority Wage Subsidy is a wage subsidy for employers of Australian Apprentices training towards an occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List at a Certificate level III or above. You can use the Priority List Explorer to see which occupations and qualifications qualify for support.
You may be eligible to receive:
- 10% of your apprentices wages paid to you for the first 24 months (up to $1500 per quarter)
- 5% of your apprentices wages paid to you for the third 12 month period (up to $750 per quarter)
Additional Support:
Extra incentives may be available for employing apprentices from priority groups or in regional and rural areas.
Application Process:
Employers can apply online through the Australian Apprenticeships website or contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider for assistance.
