Government incentives

Incentives & funding for employers

Building up your team with apprenticeships and traineeships is a smart way to design training that fits your business needs. Whether bringing in new team members or wanting to train and keep your current staff, apprenticeships and traineeships are great for creating a thriving work culture.

The Australian Government is committed to supporting the development of skilled labour in the country. They provide a range of financial incentives and benefits to employers and Australian Apprentices. As an employer, you may be eligible for Government payments throughout an Australian Apprenticeship.

Consult your Apprenticeship Network Provider

Consult your Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP)

To engage an apprentice or trainee in NSW, enlist the assistance of an Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP). They will guide you through the understanding and monitoring of incentives and programs. For the most up-to-date opportunities, always consult with your ANP.

Here’s a snapshot of what businesses may be eligible for:

Standard incentives of up to $3,500

Standard incentives of up to $3,500

To employ an apprentice or trainee in NSW, you need an Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP)

They will help you understand and keep track of incentives and programs.

Payroll tax rebates

Payroll tax rebates

Claim a payroll tax rebate on wages paid to approved apprentices and new entrant trainees. Note that the rebate does not apply to wages paid to existing worker trainees. This incentive is available for employers and group training organisations (GTOs).

Workers compensation premium reduction

Workers compensation premium reduction

As an employer of an apprentice in NSW, you are entitled to a premium reduction based on the wages paid to your apprentice.

Continuing Apprentices Placement Service (CAPS)

Continuing Apprentices Placement Service (CAPS)

CAPS is a complimentary service allowing employers to discover and recruit apprentices and trainees who are unemployed due to the economic downturn. CAPS is exclusively available for apprentices and trainees in occupations listed in the National Skills Need List.

Priority wage subsidy

Priority wage subsidy

The Priority Wage Subsidy is a wage subsidy for employers of Australian Apprentices training towards an occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List at a Certificate level III or above. You can use the Priority List Explorer to see which occupations and qualifications qualify for support.

You may be eligible to receive:

  • A wage subsidy to employers of apprentices in priority occupations is set at 10% of the apprentice’s wage in the first year, 10% in the second year, and 5% in the third year.
  • Direct payment to apprentices in priority occupations of up to $1,250 is paid every six months for a maximum of two years, up to a total value of $5,000, to help apprentices with cost-of-living pressures and to assist them to stay in their apprenticeship.
  • A hiring incentive to employers of apprentices in occupations not included on the Priority List of up to $1,750, paid in two instalments at six and 12 months after commencement, up to a maximum value of $3,500.

From 1 January 2023, The incentive system will also provide:

  • New Energy Support Payment: Direct financial assistance to Australian Apprentices commencing an Australian Apprenticeship in a clean energy occupation and qualification, as identified on the Priority List. Paid in instalments of up to $2,000, paid at 6 Months, 12 Months, 24 Months, 36 Months and Completion. Up to a maximum of $10,000.

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