Financial assistance, administered by Australian Apprenticeships Centres (AACs), is available to employers from Australian and State and Territory Governments.

You must therefore apply for employer incentives via your chosen AAC who will provide you with application and claim forms and assistance in lodging claims and follow-up claims as and when they become due.

Australian Government incentives

Australian Government incentives may vary and change depending on government policy.

Following is an overview of standard and special incentives that currently apply.

Check with your local AAC for up-to-date details and to find out which Australian Government  employer incentives you are eligible for.

1. Standard incentives are:

• Commencement incentive for Certificate II of $1,250 (GST exclusive)
• Commencement incentives for Certificate III and IV of $1,500 (GST exclusive)
• Recommencement incentive for employers recommencing an out-of-trade Certificate III/IV Australian Apprenticeship of $750 (GST exclusive)
• Completion incentives for Certificate III and IV may be eligible to receive either 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the $2,500 (GST exclusive).

2. Special incentives include:

• Innovation - special commencement incentive of $1100 (GST exclusive) for an employer who employs Australian Apprentices (Certificate III/IV qualifications) in areas of innovation such as aero skills, telecommunications, laboratory operations, information technology and electro technology
• Additional commencement incentive of $750 (GST exclusive) for an employer who employs an Australian Apprentice in an endorsed Australian School-based Apprenticeship at Certificate II, III and IV 
• Rural and Regional Skill Shortage special commencement incentive of $1000  (GST exclusive) for Certificate III and IV training in an occupation identified as a skills shortage in a non-metropolitan area
• Additional completion incentives of $750 (GST exclusive) each for employers who employ an eligible Australian Apprenctice who is a Mature Aged Worker. 
• Additional commencement incentive for employers of $1000 (GST exclusive) who commence Women in Non-traditional Australian Apprenticeships
• Additional commencement incentives of $1500 (GST exclusive) each for employers of eligible rural Certificate II Australian Apprentices who have a current "Exceptional Circumstances Drought Declared Area" certificate.

3. Other benefits:

Assistance for Australian Apprentices with a disability including:

• wage support
• assistance for tutorial, interpreter and mentor services 
• workplace modification assistance is available to the employer.

State and territory incentives

Each State and Territory may offer further incentives to employers to encourage training in areas specific to the needs of the state and territory. Follow the links on the right to access further financial assistance information.