Updated October 2026. Australian Government support for apprentices, trainees and their employers changes regularly. This post summarises the current incentives. Always confirm the details for your trainee with your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider.
Support from Apprentice Connect Australia Providers
Since 1 July 2024, Apprentice Connect Australia Providers have supported apprentices, trainees and their employers from the start of a traineeship through to completion, including help with sign-up, incentive claims and ongoing support.
The Priority Hiring Incentive
The Priority Hiring Incentive supports employers who take on an Australian Apprentice (including a trainee) in an occupation on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, at Certificate III level or above.
- For apprenticeships that started from 1 January 2026, employers can receive up to $2,500 for a full-time apprentice, and half that for a part-time apprentice.
- Apprenticeships that started before 1 January 2026 keep the earlier rate of up to $5,000.
- From 1 January 2027, employers with 200 or more employees won’t be eligible for new apprenticeships, except group training organisations.
Whether a traineeship is eligible depends on the occupation and qualification being on the Priority List, so check with your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider before you sign up.
Support for the apprentice or trainee
Apprentices and trainees in a Certificate III or higher occupation on the Priority List may be eligible for the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment, which is up to $2,500 over the first two years for apprenticeships that started from 1 January 2026.
Where to find out more
- Financial support for employers (apprenticeships.gov.au)
- Changes to the incentive system from 1 January 2026 (Apprenticeship Support Australia)
State governments also fund traineeships. See Fees and Funding for the programs KKTC offers in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT.
Ready to make a difference?
Thinking of taking on a trainee? Explore our CHC30125 Certificate III and CHC50125 Diploma traineeships, or call our team on 1300 048 133.
