Government financial incentives for employers

Your investment in skilled employees for the future of your business also brings with it a number of financial incentives and assistance to help reduce the real cost of training.

The Government uses incentives to encourage employers to offer work-based training opportunities that encourage people to upgrade and expand their skills.

Apart from the potential improvement to your bottom line arising from the increased contribution your apprentice or trainee can make as a result of their skill development, your investment also may bring with it a number of financial incentives.

Financial incentives you may be eligible for*:

• Australian Government standard Commencement and Completion Incentives ranging from $750 to over $4,000
• training award pay rates (if required)
• exemption or rebates from payroll tax (where applicable)
• exemption of apprentice’s wages from workers compensation premium calculations
• extra incentives to assist in the employment of under-represented groups such as Mature Age, School-based and Indigenous Australians and apprentices or trainees with disability
• a number of extra incentives which are available for certain areas or qualifications.  

 
There is a range of additional incentives available to employers including the:

• Declared Drought area incentive
• Rural and Regional Skills Shortage incentive
• Innovation incentive
• Mature Age Worker incentive.

For a list of incentives you may be eligible for as an employer of an apprentice or trainee in QLD please see our checklist (pdf): Employer Incentives

Please note that the checklist is a guide only. Payment of incentives will be subject to employers and their apprentices and trainees satisfying the eligibility criteria. Details of each incentive should be discussed with your consultant.

*Incentives are dependent on meeting eligibility criteria.

Contact Queensland Apprenticeship Services on 1300 360 955 to discuss your eligibility for incentives.

Queensland Apprenticeship Services helps employers to simplify and streamline the appointment and administrative management of their apprentices and trainees - and helps ensure that all incentives and allowances are received.

Our services are funded under an Australian Government contract and are provided at no cost to you.