Disability

An increasing number of employers are realising the benefits of employing a disabled person, with studies showing that disabled people are more positive, dedicated and willing to give 100% to their jobs. With approximately 20% of the population having some form of disability, many employers are now ensuring that this is reflected in their workforce mix.

Disabled employees can contribute valuable skills, knowledge and enthusiasm into your workplace, which can have a positive impact on your business and employees. All they need is to be given the opportunity.

This page will provide you with information on the following:

What is an apprentice or trainee with a disability?

An apprentice or trainee with a disability may experience difficulties in obtaining employment, maintaining employment or simply keeping up with some of the work and study required to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. This programme is designed to help address these barriers and to support employers, apprentices and trainees throughout this process.

An apprentice or trainee with a disability may have a permanent or long term disability, which is evident at the time of their employment. Alternatively, an apprentice or trainee may meet the eligibility criteria to receive disabled financial assistance if they become disabled either permanently or temporarily during the course of their apprenticeship or traineeship.

Your business may be eligible for assistance

There are a number of support mechanisms available (including financial assistance) that can assist you in employing an apprentice or trainee with a disability.

Disability support agencies can provide you with a free consultancy service to help you source and job match a jobseeker with a disability to an identified role in your organisation. They can also provide you with free on-the-job support. Contact Queensland Apprenticeship Services to find relevant disability agencies.

You may be eligible to receive financial assistance if your apprentice or trainee…

has a disability which impacts on their day to day work
cannot wholly address their disability through medication or self management
has not used this assistance programme before (some exceptions apply)
meets the normal eligibility guidelines for Australian Government assistance

The Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) programme includes four types of financial assistance …

Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS)

Used to offset some of your ongoing costs
Provides up to $104.30 per week. Claimed monthly
Paid on a pro-rata basis for part time staff
Replaces the standard Australian Government incentives
Assistance must be reapplied for and assessed each year

Workplace Modifications

Addresses the immediate barriers facing the apprentice or trainee
Provides up to $5,000 (excl GST) to undertake workplace modifications
Can include the purchase or leasing of equipment
Can include safety equipment, ramps, lighting
Modifications remain the property of you or your apprentice or trainee
Payment is made as a reimbursement to you the employer

Tutorial Assistance

Assistance to help your apprentice or trainee with the off-the-job training component
Provides up to $5,500 (incl GST) per year
Paid to your training provider
Hours approved cannot exceed your apprentices or trainees off-the-job training hours
Assistance must be reapplied for and assessed each year

Mentor or Interpreter Assistance

Additional assistance to help your apprentice or trainee with off-the-job or on-the-job training
Conditions apply as per Tutorial Assistance above

How Queensland Apprenticeship Services can help you!

Contact Queensland Apprenticeship Services so we can assist you in finding and/or employing an apprentice or trainee with a disability, including accessing your eligibility to Australian Government incentives.

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