Financial support for employers of Australian Apprentices
As an employer of an Australian Apprentice, you may be eligible for valuable financial assistance from the Australian Government. This support is designed to help with hiring, training, retaining apprentices, and contributing to the growth of skilled workers in priority industries.
From 1 July 2024, the Federal Government has streamlined the incentive programme to focus support on industries crucial to Australia’s economic development. Priority occupations are those listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.
Under the existing Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (AAIS), you will find new measures such as the Priority Hiring Incentive, as well as the continuation of existing measures such as the Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS).
Priority Hiring Incentive
The previous Priority Wage Subsidy was closed to new entrants from 30 June 2024 and has been replaced by the Priority Hiring Incentive. The Priority Hiring Incentive aims to maintain strong Australian Apprenticeship commencement levels and improve retention rates in priority occupations experiencing national skill shortage. As an employer, you could be eligible for this incentive.
- $2,000 paid at 6 months from commencement or recommencement for full-time Australian Apprentices
- $3,000 paid at 12 months from commencement or recommencement for full-time Australian Apprentices
- $1,000 paid at 6 months from commencement or recommencement for part-time Australian Apprentices
- $1,500 paid at 12 months from commencement or recommencement for part-time Australian Apprentices
A total of up to $5,000 over 12 months, under an eligible training contract.
To be eligible for this incentive your Australian Apprentice will need to be;
- Commencing or recommencing a qualification and occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List; including those identified as leading to a clean energy apprenticeship pathway; and
- Apprenticeship with an occupational outcome listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List; including those identified as leading to a clean energy apprenticeship pathway; and
- Must be in-training with their employer on the claim period due date; and
Where the employer is:
- Registered for Single Touch Payroll with the ATO or has ATO Exemption; and
- Not claiming other wage subsidies or Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) for this Australian Apprentice.
No, you can sign up a new or existing employee into an Australian Apprenticeship on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List and attract the Priority Hiring Incentive, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Your business will need to register and use Single Touch Payroll for wage reporting to the Australian Tax Office, unless they have been granted an exemption. You will be required to provide accurate wage evidence and evidence your Australian Apprentice has commenced training.
Our friendly Mas team are here to help you every step of the way. Simply get in contact with us and we will provide advice and guide you through the whole process.
Assistance for Employers of Australian Apprentices with a Disability
The Australian Government provides additional support to Australian Apprentices with a disability through the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS).
DAAWS Payment:
- $104.30 per week for full time Australian Apprenticeships (pro-rata for part time).
DAAWS is payable to employers who employ Australian Apprentices who meet the eligibility criteria below;
- A medically diagnosed disability that affects them in their workplace and these affects can’t be managed with medication or self-management strategies;
- Has been assessed by a medical practitioner or registered psychologist and deemed capable to complete an Australian Apprenticeship if they are provided with suitable support from the employer;
NOTE: Employers that qualify for DAAWS may choose whether they wish to proceed with claiming DAAWS or instead claim the Priority Wage Subsidy or Hiring Incentive. Tutorial Assistance, Mentor Assistance and Interpreter Assistance:
- Paid to the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) where the Australian Apprentice requires a Tutor, Mentor or Interpreter to assist with their off-the-job training.
- Employer must qualify for DAAWS for the RTO to be able to claim for Tutorial, Mentor and/or Interpreter Assistance Tutorial Assistance: Capped at $38.50 per hour (up to $5,500 per year).
- Mentor and/or Interpreter Assistance: Capped at $38.50 per hour (up to $5,500 per year).
Our friendly Mas team are here to help you every step of the way. Simply get in contact with us and we will provide advice and guide you through the whole process.
Additional Payments and Benefits
Funded Training:
- State Government may subsidise the cost of the training component delivered by RTOs. Amounts advised at application.
Payroll Tax Exemptions (Not available all states):
- Payroll Tax Exemptions may be available to employers who enrol their new staff into an Australian Apprenticeship. Contact your State Revenue Office for details.
Workcover Rebate / Exemption (Not available all states):
- Workcover Rebate may be available to employers who enrol their new and existing staff into an Australian Apprenticeship that is listed on the National Skills Needs List (NSNL). Contact your Workcover Insurer for details.
Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation (ABBTF):
- Contact ABBTF for claiming. $1,000 paid at 12, 24, and 36 month mark of Australian Apprenticeships for bricklaying or blocklaying Australian Apprentices.
GST does not apply to incentives paid to employers under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System. Further criteria and conditions apply for all incentives. This information is to be used as a guide only and is subject to change without notice. Information is current as of the 1st July 2022.
Our friendly Mas team are here to help you every step of the way. Simply get in contact with us and we will provide advice and guide you through the whole process.
How to claim these incentives?
You will need access to the ADMS Portal as claims are now online. Click here to access the recording on “how to claim your wage subsidy through the new ADMS System”. This recording will help guide you, step by step through the process. Please use passcode MasNat01! Claims must be submitted within 12 months of the effect date.
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