Apprenticeship and traineeship employers

Apprenticeships and traineeships give thousands of Australians the chance to earn while they train. With in-demand trades and government incentives, now is a great time to employ apprentices and trainees to grow your business.

TAFE NSW can help you bring apprentices and trainees into your business. Hiring them provides practical benefits for both your workforce and your operations.

As an employer, you can:

• attract new, committed employees
• upskill your existing staff in a new way
• give employees career opportunities and formal qualifications
• keep your business competitive with a skilled, dedicated workforce.

As an employer, you may be eligible for financial and non-financial support from the Australian Government. These incentives help you and your business.

Incentives vary depending on your circumstances and may include:

• priority hiring incentive
• Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS)
• workers’ compensation insurance incentive
• payroll tax rebate.

To see what you are eligible for, use the Incentives Explorer tool below or contact an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP).

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for financial support. Check the programs below and your eligibility.

Priority Hiring Incentive

• For apprentices training in an occupation on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List at Certificate III level or above.
• Payment up to $5,000 in the first year, paid over 2 instalments.

Group Training Organisation (GTO) Reimbursement Program

• For eligible GTOs employing apprentices in Priority List occupations.
• Must be a small or medium enterprise (SME) and not have engaged an apprentice through a GTO in the last 2 years.
• Payment up to $5,200 (GST inclusive), $100/week over 52 weeks.

Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS)

• Weekly payment of $104.30 for apprentices with long-term, permanent or temporary disability.

Priority Wage Subsidy

• For apprentices training in Priority List occupations at Certificate III or above.
• 10% of your apprentice’s wages for the first 24 months.
• 5% of your apprentice’s wages for the third 12-month period.

Hiring Incentive

• For employers not eligible for the Priority Wage Subsidy.
• Payment after 6 and 12 months:
  
  – $1,750 for full-time apprentices
  
  – $875 for part-time apprentices

Learn more about available financial programs below.

When your registered apprentice or trainee enrols with TAFE NSW, you gain access to our free Employer e-Services platform. 

Here you’ll find:

• important updates and information
• training plans
• course progress
• results and reports.

Learn more about Employer e-Services or to register, please complete an account creation form below.

Amending a training contract or completing a variation, can include changes to:

• the duration of the contract
• your employer details, such as legal or trading name
• the apprentice’s or trainee’s personal details
• full-time to part-time status or vice versa
• the vocation or qualification being undertaken
• the completion timeframe.

To submit a variation:

1. Complete the relevant application form with your employee.
2. Find your local Training Services office and submit the form via email.
3. Provide supporting documentation if required (specified on the form).
4. You’ll receive written notification from Training Services with the outcome.
5. In some cases, Training Services may advise cancelling the existing contract and creating a new one.

Read more about varying a training contract below.

The ACAP service connects apprentices and trainees. It’s completely free and provides support and guidance to employers, apprentices and trainees.

ACAP can help with:

• expert advice on eligibility for support and incentives
• guidance for apprentices and employers at each stage of the apprenticeship
• assistance in matching apprentices with employers
• personalised in-training support, including mentoring, counselling and career guidance.

If you’re looking for an ACAP, call the Skilling Australia hotline on 1800 020 108 or find out more below.

Learn about hiring, training and managing apprentices and trainees with NSW Government employer support. For other questions, call us on 131 601 or send an enquiry below.