Australian Apprenticeships Incentive
From 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024, the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System will provide broad support to the economy through wage subsidies for eligible employers in priority occupations. Priority occupations are those listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.
A Hiring Incentive will also be available for employers of apprentices undertaking a qualification in an occupation that does not qualify for the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.
In 2024 there will be a checkpoint review to assess progress and confirm program eligibility rules from 1 July 2024. Support will be available for priority occupations only, through a mix of employer and apprentice payments, including a Hiring Incentive for employers; and Training Support Payments for apprentices.
For more information on employer incentives in the new Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (Incentives System), refer to the Incentives System Reform - Factsheet, Incentives System Reform FAQs, or contact your local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
Following the introduction of the Incentives System from 1 July 2022, employers claiming incentives for an apprentice or trainee who commenced before 1 July 2022 will continue to be supported under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.
Summary of assistance available under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.
Support for Women in trades
Additional support is available for women who commence in eligible trade occupations on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. Eligible occupations are occupations that have had historically low rates of female participation. Eligible Australian Apprentices will have increased access to comprehensive wraparound support through the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network. This includes personalised advice and information on career options and apprenticeships pathways, pastoral care, career and industry mentoring, access to professional networks and entrepreneurship training. These non-financial supports will help more women to complete their apprenticeship and go on to have successful careers.
Changes to the Trade Support Loans Program
The Trade Support Loans Scheme will be expanded to make it available to all occupations on the Priority List. This primarily benefits trainees in the care sector who previously were not eligible to access Trade Support Loans or any other income contingent loan program while they undertook their training.
Changes to Trade Support Loans will be implemented subject to the amendment of existing legislation.
Living Away From Home Allowance
There will continue to be support available for students who need to travel to undertake their apprenticeship, through the Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA).
The Living Away From Home Allowance is an allowance for eligible Australian Apprentices who have to move away from their parents’ or guardians’ home to take up or retain an Australian Apprenticeship. The allowance is available to eligible full and part-time Australian Apprentices and Australian School-based Apprentices during the first three years of their training.
Assistance for Australian Apprentices with disability
The Australian Government provides additional support to Australian Apprentices with disability through the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS).
DAAWS is payable to employers who employ apprentices who meet the eligibility criteria.
DAAWS is also available to employers whose apprentice becomes disabled during their apprenticeship.
To determine your eligibility and to apply for the DAAWS contact your local Apprenticeship Network provider.
Help is also available through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).
The EAF gives financial aid to eligible people so they can buy work-related modifications, equipment, help and services.
Employers can access the EAF through Disability Employment Services or jobactive organisations.
For help to apply for any of these assistance programs, please contact us.