What financial support is available?

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What financial help is available?

While there are some costs involved in completing an apprenticeship or traineeship, you may be eligible for financial support. This support can help with cost-of-living expenses, as an incentive to follow certain career pathways or to help purchase ‘tools of the trade’.

Please see below information about the type of financial assistance which you may qualify for to help you commence, and complete, an apprenticeship or traineeship.


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    Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment

    To encourage apprentices and trainees to stay in their Australian Apprenticeship and assist with cost-of-living pressures, those operating in priority occupations may be eligible for the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment (AATSP). 

    Every six months, for a maximum of two years, they will receive a direct payment of up to $1,250 for a single full-time Australian Apprenticeship, or $625 for a part-time Australian Apprenticeship. This is capped at $5,000 for full-time, and $2,500 for part-time Australian Apprentices.

    The AATSP is also available to existing workers, provided the following eligibility conditions are met.

    Am I eligible?

    To be eligible for the AATSP, you must:

    • Have commenced or recommenced their Australian Apprenticeship between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2024, or;
    • Recommended their Australian Apprenticeship with their original employer between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2024, where the period of cancellation or suspension was greater than six months, and;
    • Be undertaking a qualification at the Certificate III or IV, or a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from the Priority List, and;
    • Be training towards a priority occupation from the Priority List, and;
    • Not be undertaking a previously completed qualification that leads to the same occupation or one that supersedes a previously completed qualification, unless it was completed more than seven years ago or completed overseas, and;
    • Not be in receipt of the New Energy Apprentice Support Payment (NEASP) for the same Australian Apprenticeship.

    Note that in circumstances where you recommence with the same employer after a period of suspension or cancellation of the Training Contract, your support payment claim period will be extended for the equivalent time.

    Requirement for Tax File Number declaration

    The AATSP is considered a taxable payment, therefore amounts received into an AA’s bank account may differ. A Tax File Number Declaration MUST be provided to avoid tax being withheld at the highest marginal rate, as required by the Australian Taxation Office. Apply for a TFN | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au).

    How do I claim the payment?

    You must claim the AATSP through the Apprenticeships Data Management System (ADMS).

    For assistance setting up your ADMS account click here.

    If you need further help connecting to ADMS click here.

    A 12-month time limit to claim applies

    Find out more

    To find out more about the AATSP, download our fact sheet or visit here

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    New Energy Apprentice Support Payment

    The New Energy Apprentice Support Payment (NEASP) provides up to a maximum of $10,000 in direct financial assistance, over the life of the Australian Apprenticeship, to Australian Apprentices (AAs) commencing in an occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List (Priority List) and identified as a clean energy occupation.

    Am I eligible?

    To be eligible for the NEASP, an AA must meet all primary eligibility criteria, and must be:

    • undertaking a Certificate III, IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma level qualification listed on the Priority List; and 
    • training towards an occupation identified as a clean energy occupation on the Priority List; and
    • commenced or recommenced their Australian Apprenticeship, with a new employer, on or after 1 January 2023; and
    • not be undertaking a previously completed qualification OR undertaking a qualification that supersedes a previously completed qualification, unless completed more than seven years ago or completed overseas. 

    Additionally, the AA’s employer must demonstrate:

    • business engagement and operation in the clean energy sector; and
    • the Australian Apprentice will be provided with a significant proportion of their work in the clean energy sector, on an ongoing basis and at commencement or recommencement; and 

    A signed declaration must be received from: 

    • the Australian Apprentice stating their commitment to build skills in the clean energy sector, including selecting clean energy electives in their training, where available and appropriate: and 
    • their employer stating their commitment to provide ongoing on the job training in a clean energy work and/or project(s). 

    In addition to the above requirements, the Australian Apprentice must not be in receipt of the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment (AATSP) for the same Australian Apprenticeship.

    Requirement for Tax File Number declaration

    The NEASP is considered a taxable payment, therefore amounts received into an AA’s bank account may differ. A Tax File Number Declaration MUST be provided to avoid tax being withheld at the highest marginal rate, as required by the Australian Taxation Office. Apply for a TFN | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au)

    Payment Rates

    The NEASP is paid over the life of the Australian Apprenticeship, at the rate of $2,000 per payment (up to a total of $10,000) for full-time Australian Apprentices or $1,000 per payment (up to a total of $5,000) for part-time Australian Apprentices.
    The part-time payment rate is applied as a flat rate regardless of part-time hours worked in any given claim period.  

    How do I claim the payment?

    You must claim the NEASP through the Apprenticeships Data Management System (ADMS).

    For assistance setting up your ADMS account click here.

    If you need further help connecting to ADMS click here.

    A 12-month time limit to claim applies, find out more about this by clicking here.

    Find out more

    To find out more about the NEASP, download our fact sheet or visit here

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    Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans

    Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans are to encourage more young people to take up and complete their qualifications.

    The Australian Government is offering loans of up to $24,492 over the life of an apprenticeship to apprentices who are undertaking a qualification that leads to an occupational outcome on the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List. These loans are designed to ease the financial burden and help increase apprenticeship completion rates.

    Like HELP loans for tertiary students, the loans will be repayable once apprentices are earning a sustainable income.

    The Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans provide real support for current apprentices to complete their skills training and provide a stronger incentive for young Australians to become apprentices.

    Eligibility

    Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans (AASL) are available to all Australian Apprentices working in priority occupations, including those in non-trade occupations. Refer to the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List (Appendix A) for further information.

    Payment Information

    From 1 July 2023, the monthly installment rates are as follows:

    First Year $9,797 (12 monthly payments of $816.41)

    Second Year $7,348 (12 monthly payments of $612.31)

    Third Year $4,898 (12 monthly payments of $408.20)

    Fourth Year (and beyond) $2,449 (12 monthly payments of $204.10)

    Australian Apprentices who complete their qualification will receive a 20 percent discount on their total loan amount.

    The loans will be repayable through the tax system once apprentices are earning a sustainable income of $51,550 (this figure is correct for the 2023-24 financial year).

    Payments will be available in the three-month probationary period, as long as the apprentice qualifies for and claims payment.

    Apprentices will opt in for a six-month payment period with payments made in arrears on a monthly basis. The opt-in will allow apprentices to receive the next six Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans payments that fall due. Following this, the apprentices will be required to reapply (opt-in) again online to receive further payments.

    Apprentices can also opt out of receiving payments at any time.

    The income of an Australian Apprentice will not impact their eligibility for loans.

    Apprentices cannot claim payments for installments that have passed (except in very rare circumstances, such as an administrative error).

    Apprentices will only be able to claim the next installment that falls due after they apply. They will not be able to claim installments that occurred in the past except in very rare circumstances (see above). Apprentices will not have 12 months to claim.

    Apprentices will only be able to claim payments while they are undertaking their apprenticeship. If an apprentice completes before the end of four years, their payments cease on completion, even if they have not received the full $24,492. Apprentices will not be paid out the remaining balance on completion.

    To find out more about Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans, including whether you're eligible and how to apply, get in touch with us or download the relevant fact sheet below:

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      Living Away From Home Allowance

      The Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA) is for eligible full-time or part-time Australian Apprentices of any age during the first three years of training if you need to move away from your parental or legal guardian’s home for the first time in order to:

      • Take up an Australian Apprenticeship or
      • Remain in an Australian Apprenticeship or
      • Receive essential supplementary on-the-job training with another employer.

      You also may be eligible to receive LAFHA if you are undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship and you are, or become, homeless.

      The allowance is not available to Australian Apprentices who:

      • Have lodged a claim for Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY or
      • Receive rental or accommodation assistance from Centrelink or their employer or
      • Moved away from their parental or legal guardian’s home three months or more before starting their Australian Apprenticeship.

      To find out more about LAFHA, including whether you are eligible and how to apply, get in touch with us or download our fact sheet.  

      You may also be eligible for the following Government financial incentives and assistance depending on your State:

    You may also be eligible for the following Government financial incentives and assistance depending on your State:

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      New South Wales

      Travel concessions

      Eligible first, second and third-year apprentices and new entrant trainees may be entitled to a Transport Concession Card.

      Visit www.training.nsw.gov.au or download our fact sheet for more information.

      Travel and accommodation assistance

      Apprentices and new entrant trainees may be eligible for travel and accommodation assistance if they need to travel more than a 120km round trip to attend day or block release with their Registered Training Organisation.

      Visit www.training.nsw.gov.au or download our fact sheet for more information.

      Rebate on car registration for apprentices

      First and second-year apprentices may be eligible to receive a $100 rebate on their car registration.

      Visit www.rta.nsw.gov.au or download our fact sheet for more information.

      Continuing apprentice placement service

      Apprentices and trainees in skills shortages occupations and affected by economic downturn may register their details for a free job matching service.

      Visit www.training.nsw.gov.au and www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au for more information.

      The Way Ahead Program for Aboriginal People

      The Way Ahead for Aboriginal People Program is a free service for Aboriginal apprentices and trainees who need additional support in the workplace.

      Visit www.training.nsw.gov.au for more information.

      ​​​​​​Smart and Skilled 

      Smart and Skilled provides eligible students with:

      • An entitlement to government-subsidised training up to and including Certificate III
      • Government funding for higher-level courses (Certificate IV and above) in targeted priority areas.

      Visit www.smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au for more information.

      Regional scholarship - NSW Country Apprentice Scholarships

      A Scholarship is available in NSW to provide financial assistance to eligible country NSW apprentices to support their apprenticeship training. This Scholarship pays $5,000 for each year the apprentice is completing training to a maximum of $15,000.

      At least 10 Scholarships are awarded each year.  At least two of these are awarded to apprentices of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background.

      Eligibility includes apprentices who are:

      • In the 1st year of an approved apprenticeship
      • A resident in country NSW for the term of their apprenticeship
      • Is registered in NSW under the Apprenticeship & Traineeship Act 2001
      • Preferably working in a skill shortage category in NSW and or the apprentice’s local area.

      Nominations close 30th April each calendar year. Contact us for more information.

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      Queensland

      Travel and accommodation assistance

      Apprentices and trainees (not including school-based) may be eligible for travel and accommodation assistance where they are required to travel at least 100km (return trip) to attend training at the closest RTO to their residence.

      Visit www.training.qld.gov.au for more information.

      Registered Trade Skills Pathway Construction Pilot 

      This pilot is aimed at assisting non-qualified workers in a number of construction trades to build on their existing skills, knowledge and experience to gain a trade qualification.

      It enables individuals over the age of 21 to undertake training and a work-based trade skills pathway that best suits their particular situation.

      The pilot is for Queensland labourers and assistants currently working in bricklaying, carpentry, painting, plastering or tiling trades.

      Visit www.training.qld.gov.au for more information.

      Fee-free training for Year 12 graduates

      Year 12 graduates can access fee-free training for Certificate III apprenticeships or traineeships in high priority areas under the Real Opportunities Action Plan.

      Visit www.training.qld.gov.au for more information.

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      South Australia

      Accommodation and Travel Allowance

      Accommodation and travel allowance may be available to apprentices and trainees who reside in a non-metropolitan area if they must travel a round trip in excess of 150km to the venue of the closest Registered Training Organisation (RTO) able to deliver the training.

      Visit www.training.sa.gov.au for more information.

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      Tasmania

      Accommodation and Travel Allowances

      Travel and accommodation allowances are payable to apprentices and trainees who are required to travel either within Tasmania or interstate to attend training.

      Visit www.skills.tas.gov.au for more information.

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      Victoria

      Skills First

      The Skills First program supports apprentices, workers seeking retraining, those needing extra support and regional students seeking courses in their local area.

      The program offers:

      • Support for apprentices and trainees
      • Retraining and upskilling opportunities for older workers
      • High quality training
      • Support for disadvantaged students

      Skills First can help students research courses, choose the right training provider, or check eligibility for a government-subsidised training place. You can find a list of Victorian training providers here.

      Skills and Jobs Centres are also located at TAFE campuses to help students looking to start training, or workers wanting to re-skill or retrain. They offer:

      • Advice about apprenticeships and traineeships
      • Job search skills training and resume preparation assistance
      • Career and training plan advice

      Support for disadvantaged students

      Sometimes, young people require extra support and assistance in areas such as literacy, health and accommodation. They may qualify for help under the Reconnect program which provides funds for such services.

      Victorian trade apprentice car registration discount

      If you’re a trade apprentice using your car for work, you may be eligible to get 100% off your registration renewal.

      Free registration from 1 July 2023 for eligible trade apprentices.

      If you’re a trade apprentice using your car for work, you may be eligible to get 100% off your registration renewal. Please note: Registration renewals due on or before 30 June 2023 will only be eligible to receive a 50% discount.

      You must also:

      • Be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship course and registered as an apprentice with the Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority (VRQA)
      • Use your own car, ute or van for approved work purposes (verified by your employer), or to regularly travel to or from work between 8:30 pm and 5:30 am 
      • Hold a current Victorian driver’s licence

      For more information, visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/registration-fees/concessions-and-discounts/trade-apprentice-registration-discount or download our fact sheet.

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      Western Australia

      Travel and Accommodation Allowance

      Apprentices and trainees undertaking training funded by the Department of Training and Workforce Development may be eligible to access travel and/or accommodation allowances.

      There is a minimum round trip distance which must be travelled to claim assistance.

      Visit www.dtwd.wa.gov.au for more information.


    Additional financial assistance

    Australian Apprentices may be eligible for income support through Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY. More information is available from Centrelink on 13 36 33.


    Low Income Health Care Card

    As an apprentice or trainee, you may qualify for a Low Income Health Care Card which entitles you to cheaper prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). 

    To be eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

    • You must be living in Australia and
    • Have Australian citizenship or 
    • Hold a permanent visa or 
    • Hold a Special Category visa or
    • Hold a Partner Provisional visa subclass 309 or 820 or a Temporary Protection visa and
    • You must also satisfy the Low Income Health Care Card income test

    To find out more about the Low Income Health Care Card, including whether you are eligible and how to apply, get in touch with us or download our fact sheet.