Australian Employer Incentives

Introduced on 1 July 2022, the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (Incentives System) is designed to get apprentices into secure jobs that are in high demand, helping to fill skill shortages now and creating job security for the future. It provides a pathway for employers to access financial support and offers benefits such as the Priority Wage Subsidy and the Hiring Incentive. 

WPC Group wants to help you develop the next generation of talent to your specific needs, by accessing these incentives and boosting apprenticeship placements.

Eligibility Requirements for Australian Apprenticeship Incentive Program

As an employer, you may be eligible to receive an apprenticeship grant under the Australian Apprentices Employer Incentives, but it is important to meet all primary eligibility requirements. 

These requirements include the apprentice's Australian citizenship or residency status, employment and training arrangements, and lodging claim forms with supporting evidence within the specified time.

To qualify, the individual must have started or restarted an Australian Apprenticeship under a new Training Contract on or after July 1st, 2022. Alternatively, if they had previously started an Apprenticeship, they must have restarted it on or after July 1st, 2022 after a break of at least 6 months if the original start date was before July 1st, 2022 or 12 months if it was on or after that date.

Priority Wage Subsidy

The apprentice Wage Subsidy is an incentive aimed at encouraging employers to take on apprentices. By participating in this program, you can claim a percentage of the wages paid to the apprentice. This apprentice rebate varies depending on the length of the apprenticeship, with higher percentages available for the first 12 months. Eligibility requirements include meeting all primary eligibility criteria and ensuring that the apprentice is undertaking a Certificate III or above qualification in an occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.

Hiring Incentive

The Hiring Incentive supports Australian Apprentices pursuing a Certificate II or higher qualification that isn't on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. Eligible full-time Australian Apprentices receive a payment of $1,750, while part-time apprentices receive $875 at 6 and 12 months. To qualify, the apprentice must meet all primary eligibility requirements and be in training with their employer on the specified date. 

Please Note: Employers cannot receive both the Priority Wage Subsidy and the Hiring Incentive for the same apprenticeship. For more details, refer to the Australian Incentives Priority List.

Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy

To encourage the provision of Australian Apprenticeships to individuals with disabilities pursuing a Certificate II or higher qualification, the Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support is available. Employers of Australian Apprentices diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can qualify for this support. Additionally, off-the-job training support, including mentoring, translation, and tutorial services, is accessible. The Wage Support provides a wage subsidy of $104.30 per week for full-time Australian Apprentices or a pro-rata amount based on part-time hours. 

Eligibility requirements include meeting all primary criteria, ensuring the employer pays a suitable wage of at least $104.30 per week, and the apprentice meeting the disability eligibility criteria found in the Incentives System Guidelines. Moreover, employers whose apprentices unexpectedly experience a disability during their Australian Apprenticeship may also be eligible for this support.

Transform Your Business with WPC Group

Employer apprenticeship incentives and government grants in Australia play a vital role in supporting businesses and promoting apprenticeship programs. The WPC Group can seamlessly facilitate these incentive programs, so as an employer you can benefit from financial support and access resources that foster the growth of your business.