Disabled Apprentice or Trainee

An increasing number of employers are realising the benefits of employing employees with a disability, with studies showing they are more positive, dedicated and willing to give 100% to their jobs. With approximately 20% of the population having some form of disability, an increasing number of employers are wanting to ensure that this is reflected in their workforce mix.

This page includes the following information:

Disabled apprentice or trainee eligibility

You may be eligible for disabled assistance if you 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 you and your employer throughout the apprenticeship and traineeship process.

You may have a permanent or long term disability, which is evident at the time of your employment. Alternatively, you may meet the eligibility criteria to receive disabled financial assistance if you become disabled either permanently or temporarily during the course of your apprenticeship or traineeship.

Assistance for apprentices and trainees with a disability

There are a number of support mechanisms available (including financial assistance) that can assist you in finding and undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Disabled support agencies can provide you with a free consultancy service to help you find an employer to take you on and provide your with additional support services. Contact Queensland Apprenticeship Services to find a disability agency in your area.

Your employer may be eligible to receive financial assistance if you:

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

The Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS)

There followoing four financial assitance programmes are available under DAAWS:

Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS)

Used to offset some of your employers ongoing costs
Provides up to $114.73 (incl GST) per week for your employer
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 any immediate barriers you face in your apprenticeship or traineeship
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 employer
Payment is made as a reimbursement to your employer

Tutorial Assistance

Assistance to help you 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 off-the-job training hours
Assistance must be reapplied for and assessed each year

Mentor or Interpreter Assistance

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