Incentives

Financial assistance to help with the cost of building local skills in your business

In WA, employers can access a range of financial support from the Federal and State Governments.

Different bodies administer these incentives, and each has its own set of eligibility criteria.

Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) administers the Federal Government’s Australian Apprenticeship incentives and can provide you with information and guidance on accessing the full range of support available.

Alternatively, businesses can visit the Government’s Incentives Explorer to learn more.

 Up to $15,000

The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System provides support through wage subsidies for eligible employers of new and re-engaged apprentices and trainees undertaking a qualification in a priority occupation.
Priority occupations are those listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.

PRIORITY LIST

Up to $15,000

The Priority Wage Subsidy is paid for a maximum of three years at the rate of:

  • 10% of wages paid for the first year (up to a maximum of $1,500 per quarter), and;
  • 10% of wages paid for the second year (up to a maximum of $1,500 per quarter); and;
  • 5% of wages paid for the third year (up to a maximum of $750 per quarter).

Payments are made in arrears, with the first payment payable to eligible employers three months after commencement, followed by quarterly payments thereafter.

Up to $8,500

Available to WA employers who an apprentice or new entrant trainee.

Apprenticeships:

  • 24-month nominal term apprenticeships receive a total incentive of $4,250 (commencement payment of $1,700; and mid-point and completion payments of $1,275).
  • 36-month nominal term apprenticeships receive a total incentive of $6,375 (commencement payment of $2,550; mid-point payment of $1923.50; and completion payment of $1,912.50).
  • 42-month nominal term apprenticeships receive a total incentive of $7,437.50 (commencement payment of $2,975; and mid-point and completion payments of $2,231.25).
  • 48-month nominal term apprenticeships receive a total incentive of $8,500 (commencement payment of $3,400; and mid-pint and completion payments of $2,550).

Traineeships:

  • Six-month nominal term traineeships receive a total incentive of $1,062.50, paid at the completion point.
  • Nine-month nominal term traineeships receive a total incentive of $1,593.75, paid at the completion point.
  • 12-month nominal term traineeships receive a total incentive of $2,125, paid in halves at the commencement and completion points.
  • 24-month nominal term traineeships receive a total incentive of $4,250, paid in halves at the commencement and completion points.

PRIORITY LIST

Up to $3,500

Full-time apprentices will attract $3,500, with payments made in two equal instalments of $1,750, payable at six and 12 months from the date of commencement or recommencement with the employer.

Part-time apprentices will attract $1,750, with payments made in two equal instalments of $875, payable at six and 12 months from the date of commencement or recommencement with the employer.

For WA businesses undertaking work in the defence industry in the State who employ an apprentice.

Up to $20,000

Eligible employers will receive the following payments at milestone payment points:

  • Commencement payment of $10,000, payable when the probation period has expired;
  • Second-year milestone payment of $6,000, payable one year after the commencement of the training contract; and
  • Third-year milestone payment of $4,000, payable two years after the commencement of the training contract.

The employed apprentice must be enrolled in one of four qualifications: Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication; Mechanical, Electrotechnology Electrician; or Industrial Electrician.

The CTF supports employers to reduce the cost of employing an apprentice or trainee in a range of building and construction occupations in WA, through the provision of up to two grant payments:

  • A base grant that is dependent on the apprenticeship/traineeship qualification; and
  • Bonus payments for regional apprentices/trainees, pre-apprenticeships, female apprentices/trainees, Indigenous people and apprentices over the age of 21.

Incentives for group training organisations (GTOs) to employ and support apprentices and trainees in various priority areas.

  • Incentive payments are paid quarterly for commencement, mid-point (apprentices only) and completion milestones.
  • Payment information is extracted from the Western Australian Apprentice Management System (WAAMS).

Up to approximately $5,400 per year

For employers taking on apprentices and trainees with a disability, they can access this support instead of the standard Australian Apprenticeships Incentives. There is also additional support for tutorial assistance, mentoring and interpreter assistance.

The Apprenticeships Data Management System (ADMS) helps to streamline the way employers lodge their Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC), Completing Apprenticeship Commencements (CAC), Priority Wage Subsidy (PWS) and hiring incentives for employers of apprentices not in priority occupations (HI) claims. Find out more about signing up to ADMS here.

Subscribe to Training Insider

Receive regular updates about the latest apprenticeship and traineeship news and practical advice from our experts.

Register now