This section outlines the financial benefits you can expect as an employer of an apprentice or trainee.

Australian Government incentives

You may be able to take advantage of financial incentives to reduce the cost of training if you:

• take on an apprentice in an area of skills shortage
• take on an out of trade apprentice
• take on a school based apprentice or trainee
• employ an apprentice to work in regional or rural Australia
• employ apprentices or trainees with a disability
• take on a mature age apprentice.

Payroll exemption

You are exempt from payroll tax for wages of apprentices or trainees.

Funding for training

If you have taken on a new apprentice or trainee, the Department of Education and Training funds most training.

If you have an existing apprentice or trainee, funding is usually available if they are doing a certificate IV or above.

While apprentices and trainees are required to pay some fees to their registered training organisation, some employers may pay this on their behalf.

Building and Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF)

The BCITF provides substantial incentives for employing an apprentice or trainee in specified building trades. Bonus subsidies are available if you employ a mature age apprentice aged 30 years and over (when the contract is registered).

Western Australian Government workers compensation rebate

You are entitled to claim a workers compensation rebate for your certificate III and above apprentices and trainees who commenced their training after 1 January 2009.  The rebate is payable after the apprentice/trainee has completed the first year of their training contract.

Find out more:
T:       13 19 54 (ApprentiCentre)