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What does it cost to employ an apprentice?

Apprentices can be a cost-effective way of hiring new staff as the Australian Government offers financial incentives for eligible employers to take on and retain Australian Apprentices. Some of the employer incentives available are listed below though may be subject to change.

These incentives help to offset the wages paid to an apprentice under an award or enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA). The exact rate of pay varies according to the number of years of school completed, number of years of training, the type of apprenticeship and the industry or occupation.

Australian Apprenticeships Employer Incentives*

IncentiveAmount
Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements Subsidy of 50% of apprentice wages, up to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter
Additional Identified Skills Shortage Payment Up to $4,000
Support for Adult Australian Apprentices $4,000
Completion Incentive Up to $3,000
Commencement Incentive Up to $1,500
Mature Aged Workers Incentives Up to $1,500
Rural and Regional Skills Shortage Incentive $1,000

*Please refer to the Australian Apprenticeships website and details on the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program (AAIP) for a full and up-to-date list of incentives for both employers and apprentices.