Incentives for apprentices

The New Energy Apprentice Support Payment is designed to encourage Australian Apprentices to choose a career in the Clean Energy sector, improve retention rates and deliver successful completions. Australian Apprentices training in priority occupations identified as Clean Energy can receive assistance of up to $10,000 to ensure they are supported to complete their training.

• Full Time Australian Apprentice: $2,000 payable at 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, 36 months and at completion of the program.
• Part Time Australian Apprentice: $1,000 payable at 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, 36 months and at completion of the program.

Employment that undertakes activities principally motivated by the production of renewable energy, and/or by the design, construction and/or operation and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure.

Apprentices who sign up from 1 June 2024 will be eligible for the New Energy Apprenticeship Program if their employer can demonstrate that they will undertake clean energy work and can provide meaningful exposure, experience, and work for apprentices in clean energy.

Apprentices working in organisations who are transitioning to clean energy activities will be eligible to participate and apprentices employed by GTOs (Group Training Organisations) who meet the revised definition will also be eligible to apply.

For an Australian Apprentice to be eligible for the New Energy Apprentice Support Payment they must:

• Fulfil all primary eligibility requirements; and
• At the date of commencement or recommencement with a new employer, the Australian Apprentice must be undertaking a clean energy qualification on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, at the levels ranging from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma; and
• The Australian Apprenticeship must be in a clean energy occupation as listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List; and
• Employers must demonstrate business engagement and operations in clean energy and ensure the Australian Apprentice gains relevant exposure and experience in this field. Group Training Organisations can also participate by providing similar opportunities; and
• Both the Australian Apprentice and employer must sign declarations committing to participate in two onsite workplace checks by their Apprentice Connect Provider (Mas National) and to focus on developing skills in the clean energy sector; and
• The Australian Apprentice must still be in-training with their employer on the claim period end date; and

Where the employer is:

• Registered for Single Touch Payroll with the ATO or has ATO Exemption, and therefore wage evidence is available through Single Touch Payroll.

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.

This is a loan to assist with the cost of living whilst undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship, and must be repaid. Repayments are made through the ATO and can be repaid once your annual income reaches the current Minimum Repayment Threshold, either via bulk payments or a percentage deducted each year when you lodge your tax return. Lifetime Limit applicable is $25,374.

• First year: Total up to $10,150, with monthly installments of $845,80
• Second year: Total up to $7,612, with monthly installments of $634.35
• Third year: Total up to $5,075 with monthly installments of $422.90
• Fourth year: Total up to $2,537, with monthly installments of $211.45

Eligibility criteria:  Where the Australian Apprentice commenced/recommenced their Australian Apprenticeship on/after 1 July 2024 and is undertaking:

• A qualification and occupation on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.

Where the Australian Apprentice commenced/recommenced their Australian Apprenticeship on/after 1 July 2024 and is undertaking:

• A qualification and occupation on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.

Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA):

• First year: $77.17 per week.
• Second year: $38.59 per week.
• Third year: $25.00 per week.

Youth Allowance Austudy and ABSTUDY:

• Australian Apprentices may be eligible to receive extra support from the Government, subject to the application of parental and personal income tests. Contact Services Australia on 13 36 33.

Funded Training:

• State Government may subsidise the cost of the training component delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Contact your State Training Authority.

Travel and Accommodation Allowances (SA only):

• For those who travel more than 150km to attend courses in relation to their training program. Contact your State Training Authority on 1800 673 097.

Trade Apprentice Vehicle Discount (VIC only):

• 50% off car registration renewal. Contact VicRoads on 13 11 71.

Car Registration Rebate (NSW only):

• First, second and third year Australian Apprentices may be entitled to a Transport Concession Card.  Contact NSW Transport on 13 67 25.
• First and second year Australian Apprentices can receive a $100 rebate on their car registration. Contact NSW Government on 02 6841 4804.

Travel and Accommodation Allowances (TAS only):

• For those who travel more than 21kms each way to attend courses in relation to their training program. Click here for more information.

Travel and Accommodation Allowances (QLD only):

• For those who travel more than 50km to attend courses in relation to their training. Click here for more information.

Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support:

• $104.30 per week wage support, paid to the employer (pro-rata for part-time).

Tutorial Assistance:

• $38.50 per hour, paid to the RTO (up to $5,500 per year).

Mentor and/or Interpreter Assistance:

• $38.50 per hour, paid to the RTO (up to $5,500 per year).

Employment Assistance Fund:

• Employers may be able to get financial help from the Australian Government for equipment, modifications and services to support their employees with disabilities. To connect with your local JobAccess provider, call 1800 464 800.

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 2024.