Summary of the Australian Government Incentives Programme
From 1st July 2007

Australian Apprenticeships

The objective of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Programme is to develop a more skilled Australian workforce that delivers long-term benefits for our nation and our international competitiveness. This is achieved by encouraging employers to open up genuine opportunities for skills-based training of their employees, through provision by the Australian Government of financial incentives to employers who employ and train an Australian Apprentice (apprentice or trainee).

Waiting periods

There is a three month waiting period before an employer can apply for an Australian Government Commencement Incentive for an Australian Apprentice. The Apprenticeship/Traineeship Training Contract must be formally approved. The Australian Apprentice must still be employed by the same employer and must have commenced training in accordance with the approved Training Program. The employer should submit a claim to the Australian Apprenticeships Centre at the end of the three month waiting period, and within the required time limit. Further information on waiting periods and time limits can be obtained from your Australian Apprenticeships Centre.

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Australian Government Incentives

The following summarises the Australian Government Incentives regime for all Australian Apprentices (apprentices and trainees). Payment of incentives will be subject to employers and their Australian Apprentices satisfying eligibility criteria as set out in the Australian Government Incentives Programme Guidelines. Australian Government Incentives amounts are inclusive of GST. Contact your Australian Apprenticeships Centre for further information on Australian Government Incentives.

Standard Commencement

$1,250 incentive for an employer who commences an Australian Apprentice in Certificate II training; or $1,500 incentive for an employer who commences an Australian Apprentice in Certificate III or IV training.

Innovation – Special Commencement

$1,100 special incentive for an employer who employs an Australian Apprentice in an eligible innovation training package qualification at the Certificate III or IV level.

Australian School-based Apprenticeships – Additional Commencement

$750.00 additional incentive for an employer who employs an Australian Apprentice in an endorsed School-based Apprenticeship at Certificate II to IV level.

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Rural and Regional Skill Shortages – Special Commencement

$1,000 special incentive for Rural and Regional Australian Apprenticeships where the Australian Apprentice commences Certificate III or IV training in an occupation identified as a skill shortage in a non metropolitan area.

Declared Drought Areas – Additional Commencement

$1,500 additional incentive for employers of eligible Certificate II Australian Apprentices who are employed by an employer who has a current Exceptional Circumstances Drought Area certificate.

Mature Aged Worker – Special Commencement

$750 special incentive for an employer who commences an eligible Certificate II to IV level Australian Apprentice who is a disadvantaged person aged 45 years or more. Contact your Australian Apprenticeships Centre for further information.

Standard Recommencement

$750 incentive for employers recommencing out-of-trade Certificate III or IV Australian Apprentices.

Australian School-based Apprenticeship Retention

$750 for an employer who continues to employ a Certificate II to IV level Australian School-based Apprentice after the student has completed Year 12.

Standard Completion

$2,500 incentive for employers of Australian Apprentices who successfully complete Certificate III or IV. The Australian Apprentice must have been employed as an Australian Apprentice by that employer for at least 3 calendar months before completion.

Declared Drought Areas – Special Completion

$1,500 special incentive for employers on the successful completion of eligible Certificate II Australian Apprentices who attracted a Declared Drought Areas additional commencement incentive.

Mature Aged Worker – Special Completion

$750 special incentive for an employer on the successful completion of a Certificate II to IV level Australian Apprentice who attracted a Mature Aged Worker special commencement incentive.

Assistance for an Australian Apprentices with a Disability

The Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support Programme provides additional assistance to eligible employers who recruit a Certificate II to IV level Australian Apprentice with a disability. Assistance may include a wage support payment, tutorial, interpreter and mentor services. Assistance may also be available for leasing or purchasing essential equipment or modifying the workplace to accommodate a New Apprentice with a disability. More information is available from your Australian Apprenticeships Centre.

Living Away From Home Allowance

Australian Apprentices may be eligible for up to twelve months of LAFHA at the first year rate of (LAFHA) $77.17 per week and a further twelve months assistance at the second year rate of $38.59 and third year rate of $25.00 if the Certificate II to IV level Australian Apprentice had to move away from the parental/guardian home to commence or remain in a Australian Apprenticeship or is homeless. Your Australian Apprenticeships Centre can provide more information on LAFHA and the appropriate application form.

For more information, visit the DEST website at www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au

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