Apprenticeship and traineeship employers

Apprenticeships and traineeships provide thousands of Australians the opportunity to be paid while they train in Australia. With in-demand trades and Government incentives, there has never been a better time to employ apprentices and trainees to benefit your business. 

As an employer, you can:

• attract new, committed employees 
• offer a new approach to upskilling your existing employees
• provide your employees with valuable career opportunities and formal qualifications
• allow your business to remain competitive with a skilled and dedicated workforce.

Interested in bringing on an apprentice or trainee? Here’s what you need to know.

As an employer of an apprentice or trainee, there may be financial and non-financial support available. The Australian Government provides this to assist you and your business operations. 

Incentives will differ depending on your circumstances but can include:

• priority hiring incentive
• Disability Australian apprentice wage support
• workers' compensation insurance incentive
• payroll tax rebate.

To understand what incentives you are eligible for, use the incentive explorer tool below and answer the questions.

To learn more about incentive payments, you can also reach out to an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider. 

Financial programs 

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for financial support programs. Take a look at the various programs below and check your eligibility. 

Priority Hiring Incentive

To qualify for the Priority Hiring Incentive, your apprentice must be training towards an occupation and qualification listed on the Australian apprenticeships priority list at a certificate III level or above.

You may receive a priority hiring Incentive of up to $5000 in the first year of an apprenticeship, paid over two instalments.

The Group Training Organisation (GTO) Reimbursement Program

To qualify for the GTO Reimbursement program you must:

• be an eligible GTO with an apprentice training towards a qualification and occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List 
• be a small or Medium Enterprises (SME)
• not have engaged an apprentice through a GTO within the last two years.
• GTOs may be eligible to receive a payment valued at $100 per week, up to $5,200 (GST inclusive) paid over 52 weeks.

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:

• the duration of the entire apprenticeship if the individual has a long-term or permanent disability
• the duration of the apprentice’s temporary disability.

Priority Wage Subsidy

The Priority Wage Subsidy is for employers of apprentices training towards an occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List at a Certificate III level or above. 

You may be eligible to receive:

• 10% of your apprentice's wages paid to you for the first 24 months 
• 5% of your apprentice's wages paid to you for the third 12 month period.

Hiring Incentive

If you are not eligible for the Priority Wage Subsidy, you may be eligible to receive the Hiring Incentive. After 6 and 12 months of employing an apprentice, you’ll receive a payment of:

• $1750 for full-time apprentices 
• $875 for part-time apprentices.

Learn more about the financial programs available 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 an apprentice or trainee's training, or completing a 'variation' can include changing: 

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

To submit a variation, follow the below steps:

• Complete the relevant application form with your employee.
• Find your local Training Services and submit your form via email.
• In some cases, supporting documentation may be required (this is specified on the relevant form).
• You’ll receive a written notification from Training Services with an outcome.

In some circumstances, Training Services may advise cancelling the existing training contract and creating a new one.

Read more about varying a training contract below.

The Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) service connects apprentices and trainees. It is a completely free service and offers support and guidance to employers, apprentices, and trainees. 

ACAP can provide: 

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

If you’re searching for an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider, you can call the Skilling Australia hotline on 1800 020 108 or find out more below.

Have you forgotten your Employer e-Services login or need help setting up an account? Call us on 131 601 and choose the login option.

Learn about hiring, training, management and support for employers below.

If you have any other questions or concerns, call us on 131 601 or get in touch below.