Incentives for Priority Industries
Under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives System, an Australian Apprentice undertaking a Certificate III or IV qualification that leads to an occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List may be eligible to attract additional incentives.
What is a Priority Industry?
The Australian Apprenticeships Priority List identifies occupations classified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as Technician and Trade Workers and Community and Personal Service Workers and assessed by the National Skills Commission as being in national skills shortage.
In 2024, 19 new occupations were added. Skills shortages have been noted in a number of industries, including mining, construction and utilities. Download the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List (PDF).
How much am I entitled to?
Key Apprenticeship Program Employer Incentive
The Key Apprenticeship Program is an incentive for employers of Australian Apprentices training towards an
occupation in 2 critical sectors – New Energy and Housing Construction. To be eligible the qualification must be
Certificate 3 or above with an occupational outcome listed on the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List. Employers can receive up to $5,000 for an eligible full-time apprentice or up to $2,500 for an eligible part-time or school-based apprentice.
The Employer and Apprentice must complete a declaration within the training contract to confirm business engagement and operation with the relevant KAP sector and the apprentice will be provided with meaningful exposure, experience, and work appropriate to the skill level and/or off the job training.
Priority Hiring Incentive
The Priority Hiring Incentive is an incentive for employers of Australian Apprentices training towards Priority Occupations outside of the New Energy and Housing Construction industries and is listed on the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List at a Certificate level 3 or above.
Employers of Australian Apprentices in Priority List occupations may be eligible for a Priority Wage Subsidy, up to a maximum of $2,500 for an eligible full-time apprentice or $1,250 for an eligible part-time or school-based apprentice.
What support is available for my Apprentice?
An Australian Apprentice undertaking a qualification at either Certificate III, IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level leading to an occupation on the Priority List may be eligible for an Apprentice Training Support Payment of up to $5,000 (full time equivalent) paid in instalments over the first two years of their Australian Apprenticeship.
Eligible apprentices and trainees can also apply for an Australian Apprentice Support Loan (formerly known as Trades Support Loan). You can borrow just a small amount over a few months or receive payments over the four years of your apprenticeship, up to the lifetime limit of $27,048. On completion of your apprenticeship or traineeship, you will also receive a 20% discount on the loan.