As an Australian Apprentice, you may be eligible for financial and non-financial support from the Australian Government. To claim and receive payments under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (Incentives System), you must meet all primary eligibility requirements.
Primary eligibility requirements include:
- citizenship or residency status
- employment and training arrangements
- lodging claim forms with supporting evidence within the specified time
- must have commenced or recommenced an Australian Apprenticeship with a new employer on or after 1 July 2022; or
- recommenced an Australian Apprenticeship after on or after 1 July 2022 with the same employer after a break greater than:
- 6 months if commencement was prior to 1 July 2022, or
- 12 months if the commencement date was on or after 1 July 2022.
If you have previously completed the qualification or are an Existing Worker, or a Custodial Australian Apprentice this may affect your eligibility. Please refer to the Incentives System Guidelines for more details or speak with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment
The Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment provides up to two years of direct financial assistance for Australian Apprentices undertaking a Certificate III level or above qualification in an occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. A full-time Australian Apprentice can receive $1,250 every six months for the first two years of their apprenticeship ($5,000 in total), a part-time Australian Apprentice can receive $625 ($2,500 in total). This payment is to help offset the costs of everyday living, supporting Australian Apprentices to continue in their Australian Apprenticeship.
Eligibility requirements include:
- all primary eligibility requirements
- be undertaking a Certificate III or above qualification with an occupational outcome as listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List
Further information can be found in the Incentives System Guidelines. To determine your eligibility and information about applying, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
New Energy Apprenticeships Program
The New Energy Apprenticeships Program provides direct financial assistance to Australian Apprentices in the clean energy sector. An eligible full-time Australian Apprentice can receive a payment of $2,000 at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months and completion; an eligible part-time Australian Apprentice can receive $1,000. This payment is to help meet the cost-of-living pressures and to stay in training.
Eligibility requirements include:
- all Australian Apprentice eligibility requirements
- both the employer and Australian Apprentice complete a signed declaration, confirming the apprentice will undertake work and build their skills in the clean energy sector
- be undertaking a Certificate III or above qualification and in an occupation identified as a clean energy on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List
From 1 July 2023, Australian Apprentices in the clean energy sector will be able to access professional support through a mentoring program. Australian Apprentices will work with a mentor to build links in their industry.
Download the New Energy Apprenticeships Program flyer or read the frequently asked questions to find out more.
Further information can be found in the Incentives System Guidelines. To determine your eligibility and information about applying, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
Living Away From Home Allowance
The Living Away From Home Allowance provides assistance to Australian Apprentices, who are required to move away from their parents or legal guardians home for the first time to:
- start an Australian Apprenticeship
- remain in an Australian Apprenticeship
- receive essential supplementary on-the-job training with another employer
You may also be eligible to receive the Living Away From Home Allowance if you are undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship and you are, or become, homeless.
The Living Away From Home Allowance is paid in arrears, at the following rates:
| First 12-month period from the date of commencement | $77.17 per week |
| Second 12-month period | $38.59 per week |
| Third 12-month period | $25.00 per week |
Eligibility requirements include:
- all primary requirements
- be undertaking a qualification at the Certificate II level or above
- be within 36 months of the commencement date of the apprenticeship
- meet the residential criteria (details can be found in Part F Payments to Australian Apprentices in the Incentives System Guidelines)
- provide evidence to support the claim application
To determine your eligibility, and for more information about applying, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
Assistance for Australian Apprentices with disability
Additional support for off-the-job training is available to Australian Apprentices with a disability including if you are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and are experiencing difficulty.
For the types of services available, please see below or alternatively contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
| Type of assistance | Description |
| Tutorial assistance | Provided to an Australian Apprentice by a tutor in addition to the standard off-the-job training for an Australian Apprenticeship. |
| Mentor assistance | Provided to an Australian Apprentice to assist with organisational or personal issues which may impact upon the ability of the Australian Apprentice to undertake their off-the-job training. |
| Interpreter assistance | Provided by an interpreter to assist an Australian Apprentice to understand aspects of the off-the-job training. |
Help may also be available through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) which can provide financial aid to obtain workplace assistance and support services, such as modified equipment or training.
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 an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider. This includes personalised advice and information on career options and apprenticeship 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.
Trade Support Loans
Trade Support Loans (TSLs) are available to eligible Australian Apprentices to assist with everyday costs while completing your apprenticeship. You can currently receive up to $24,492 over the course of your apprenticeship. Trade Support Loans are interest free but indexed annually in line with the consumer price index, meaning that the loan debt amount will be adjusted in line with the changes to the cost of living. Payments are made monthly in arrears into your nominated bank account. You can opt in and out of the Trade Support Loan over the course of your apprenticeship but cannot claim retrospective payments. There is no waiting period to claim.
Eligibility requirements include:
- being an Australian citizen or permanent resident residing in Australia
- having a Tax File Number (TFN) or be able to provide it when applying for a Trade Support Loan (further information can be found here)
- be undertaking a Certificate III or IV level qualification leading to an occupation listed on the Trade Support Loans Priority List; or
- be undertaking a Certificate II, III or IV agricultural qualification; or
- be undertaking a Certificate III or IV horticultural qualification in rural or regional Australia
- be undertaking a qualification leading to an occupation on the Trade Support Loans Qualifications List.
No age limits apply to a Trade Support Loan however if you are under 18, where possible you will need to seek acknowledgement from a parent or guardian, ensuring that the minor understands that the debt will need to be later repaid in accordance with the Trade Support Loan Act 2014.
Trade Support Loans are repaid through the Australian tax system once you reach the minimal threshold being $51,550 (2023-24). Repayments are calculated at a percentage of your income. To find out the amount you need to pay back, read about thresholds and rates. When you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you will receive a 20% discount on the amount you need to repay. Further information is available on the Australian Taxation Office website.
If you are receiving Trade Support Loan payments and there is any change to your personal or work situation, you must advise your Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider within 14 days. You can learn more about what Change of Circumstances need to be reported.