The federal government has doubled support for apprentices following a review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System.
The government will provide a $10,000 incentive payment – doubling the current level of support – to encourage Australians to train for jobs in the housing sector.
The new Key Apprenticeship Programme will establish a Housing Construction Apprenticeship stream.
From 1 July 2025, eligible apprentices will receive $10,000 in incentive payments, on top of their wages, over the life of their apprenticeship to work in housing construction.
Apprentices will receive $2,000 at six, 12, 24, 36 months, and at the completion of their apprenticeship.
Refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices are beneficiaries of the government’s apprenticeship incentives.
Encouraging more people into apprenticeships will ensure the Australian workforce can deliver 1.2 million homes over the next five years.
The Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System commenced in February 2024 and was led by Dr Iain Ross AO and Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM.
The report has drawn on past reviews, research, and input from over 145 public submissions as well as consultations with more than 600 people from across the apprenticeship system.
The government is considering the Review’s findings and will consult stakeholders on longer-term reforms recommended by the Review.
The government will also maintain the 2025 Priority List and extend current Australian Apprentice Training Support and Priority Hiring Incentive payment settings by six months until 31 December 2025.
Master Builders Australia CEO, Denita Wawn, said the review recognises the challenges faced by employers to attract and retain apprentices, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Employing an apprentice comes at a cost. Not just their wage, but the hours spent teaching them, covering their training costs, and managing the associated administration, and helping them navigate the workforce which all adds up,” she said.
“It should mean that the employer does not shoulder the entire cost burden for the 50 per cent of apprentices who do not complete their studies.”