Wages and Assistance

The Australian Government may provide various incentives, allowances and subsidies to both you and your employer to assist you in completing your apprenticeship or traineeship and the associated costs.

The information covered on this page includes:

• Wages
• Financial support available for apprentices and trainees
• Financial support available for employers

Wages

As a current employee your wages and employment conditions usually remain unchanged while undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship, however it is important that you obtain further advice. 

You are classed as a current employee if you have been employed for a period of at least three months full-time or twelve months casual, part-time or a combination of both with your current employer, prior to commencing the Training Contract.

Wages Information

For information on wages for apprenticeships and traineeships contact Wageline on:

1300 369 945 or visit www.wageline.qld.gov.au/

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Financial Support available for apprentices and trainees 

Commonwealth Trade Learning Scholarship

$1,000*

Apprentices and trainees (commencing after July 1, 2004) in selective trade occupations may attract two payments of $500 each, payable after the first and second years of their qualifiction. This scholarship is not available for apprentices who’s employer has more than 500 employees, unless they are employed by a Group Training Organisation

Tool for your Trade

$800*

This ‘Tools for your Trade’ incentive is available to eligible apprentices and trainees in selected trade occupations, once they have been employed for three months. The apprentice or trainee takes ownership of the tools once they have completed nine months of their qualification.

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Queensland Government Funding

Start-up assistance for apprentices and trainees

A reimbursement of up to $300* is available to an apprentice (only) who is employed in an identified skill shortage industry. This assistance is for the purchase of specialised equipment such as necessary tools and protective equipment (excluding uniforms), where a tools allowance is not traditionally provided by the employer.

Travel and accommodation allowances for apprentices and trainees

Apprentices who have to travel more than 50kms (one-way) to attend courses in relation to their training program, may be eligible for a travel and accommodation allowance. 

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Financial Support available for your employer

The Australian Government provides various incentives, allowances and subsidies to assist and encourage employers to train new staff and up skill their current employees through apprenticeships and traineeships. These include:

Australian Government Incentives

Commencement Incentive

$1,250 or $1,500

Innovation Incentive

$1,100

Rural and Regional Skills Shortage Incentive

$1,000

Recommencement Incentive

$750

Completion Incentive

$2,500

*GST Inclusive

Click here for more detailed information.

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Note: Incentives and allowances available from the Australian Government and Queensland Government can be varied without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information as at the effect date. Eligibility criteria apply to all incentives and allowances. For the latest information, please contact Queensland Apprenticeship Services on 1300 360 955.

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