The objective of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program is to contribute to the development of a highly skilled and relevant Australian workforce that supports economic sustainability and competitiveness.

The Program contains a range of employer incentives and personal benefit payments to Australian Apprentices.

The Program links into the industries and occupations traditionally associated with the apprenticeship system.

In addition, the Program targets a broad range of traineeships and apprenticeships in new and emerging industries especially where future skills shortages are projected.

To be eligible for payments under the Programme, an Australian Apprentice must be:

• employed in an Australian Apprenticeship arrangement in a State or Territory of Australia (excluding Norfolk Island); and
• employed under the terms and conditions of a Training Contract. The Training Contract must be signed by the Australian Apprentice and the employer, and be formally approved by the STA; and
• undertaking an accredited training programme, which leads to a nationally recognised qualification and includes both paid work and structured training and is responsive to user choice. The Australian Government may still provide incentives where a State or Territory Government does not provide funds for the off-the-job training, provided that the Australian Apprenticeship meets the Programme's eligibility criteria; and
• employed in an Australian Apprenticeship at the Certificate II, III, IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level.

An employer who is a trust, trustee or a trustee company may be eligible for employer incentives and the Australian Apprentice may be eligible for Living Away From Home Allowance. Where the employer is a family trust and the Australian Apprentice is a beneficiary, the Australian Apprentice may attract Living Away From Home Allowance provided the Australian Apprentice is not a trustee.

• Phone: 13 38 73
• Email: ApprenticeshipsProgOps@dewr.gov.au