Financial Assistance for Apprentices

The Australian Government provides financial assistance through an Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan (AASL) for eligible apprentices in selected qualifications and occupations (select trades that the government identifies as a priority – view the qualifications list).

An Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan can help pay for tools and supplies and assist with cost of living expenses while undertaking your apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $24,492 (as at 2023-2024) over the life of your training.

You will start repaying your AASL after you complete your qualification and reach the compulsory repayment threshold (just like a HECS-HELP debt).

Once you earn the minimum annual salary (currently $51,550 for 2023-2024), repayments will be deducted through the income tax system. The Government also offers a 20% discount on your loan amount if you complete your apprenticeship.

Find out about eligibility and guidelines on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.

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The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System provides up to two years of direct financial support to those commencing an apprenticeship in priority occupations experiencing a national skills shortage.

Eligible full-time apprentices undertaking a qualification with an occupational outcome listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List can claim the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment which includes up to four six-monthly payments of up to $1,250 each over two years of the apprenticeship ($5000 in total).

Qualifications on the Priority List are included in many electrical apprenticeships and fabrication and mechanical engineering apprenticeships.

Training identified on the Priority List as a 'new energy' apprenticeship can attract the New Energy Apprentice Training Support Payment which includes six-monthly and completion incentives (up to $10,000) for full-time eligible apprenticeships.

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The Australian Government Low Income Health Care Card is available for those meeting income and residence criteria. Benefits include:

• Cheaper medicines under the PBS
• Bulk-billed doctor visits
• Lower health care costs, including ambulance, dental and eye care

Some state governments and local councils also offer reduced:

• Public transport costs
• Water and property rates
• Electricity and gas bills
• Vehicle registration

To determine your eligibility visit the Services Australia website.

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If you are an Australian Apprentice you may be eligible for one of the government's financial assistance programs that provide fortnightly payments delivered by Centrelink.

• Youth Allowance for apprentices and trainees aged 16-24
• Austudy for apprentices and trainees aged 25 and over
• ABSTUDY for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices and trainees of any age

Rent assistance is available if you receive one of these payments, and a yearly payment will be given when you start to study and get certain income support.

Further information about these payments including eligibility guidelines is available on the Services Australia website.

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Australians Apprentices undertaking a Certificate II or higher level qualification may be eligible for the Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA) if you have to move away from your parent/guardian's home for the first time to commence or remain in your apprenticeship, or are homeless.

Applications for the LAFHA is made through your Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider. (MIGAS apprentices and trainees can contact their field officer for details of their AASN provider.)

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The New South Wales and Victorian Governments provide a rebate or discount on motor vehicle registration fees for eligible Australian Apprentices. Always check with your state department for details and to apply.

NSW: Apprentice Vehicle Registration Rebate of $100 for 1st and 2nd year apprentices (excludes trainees)

Vic: Trade Apprentice Registration Discount of 50% off the registration fee

Australian Apprentices may be eligible for travel concessions and accommodation allowances. Always check with your local and State Government providers for eligibility requirements and how to claim any allowances.

New South Wales

• Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS) provides concessions for training attendance
• Continuing Apprentices/Trainees Placement Scheme (CAPS) for out of work Australian Apprentices relocating to recommence training
• Opal card concessions for apprentices and trainees

Queensland

• Travel and Accommodation Allowance if travelling more than 100km to the closest training organisation

South Australia

• Travel and Accommodation Allowance if travelling more than 150km round trip to the closest training organisation
• Youth Allowance recipients may be eligible for a Transport Concession Card

Western Australia

• Travel and Accommodation Allowance (TAA) if travelling more than 71km round trip for travel or 150km round trip for accommodation 
• Health Care Card holders may be eligible for discounts on public transport

Victoria

• Victorian Health Care Card holders may be eligible for a 50% discount on public transport

Bunnings offers a free apprentice-specific PowerPass, which includes the same benefits as their Trade PowerPass.

These include:

• PowerPass offers and discounts on a wide range of trade products
• Invitations to trade events
• Unique apprentice-focused power and hand tool offers
• Access to exclusive Bunnings Trade merchandise

PowerPass Apprentice cards are valid for 12 months, renewed in March of each year.

The Jimy Tools Aussie Apprentice Appreciation or 'AAA' program provides apprentices with the opportunity to purchase high-quality Jimy tool kits and receive two rewards:

• Voucher worth up to 15% of the original purchase
• 20% off Jimy Tools ordered in-store or online for your entire career

Find out details of the AAA program on the Jimy Tools website.

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Sidchrome offers a range of tool kits that include an apprentice bonus item by redemption if proof of apprenticeship documentation is submitted.

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The Collins Tools and Welding Supplies website lists exclusive apprentice tool kits that include a bonus item by redemption. 

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