Extra Government Support for Apprentices From July 2025
Starting 1 July 2025, the Australian Government is rolling out additional financial assistance for apprentices.
These support programs aim to make it easier to deal with rising living costs while building up Australia's workforce of skilled workers.
Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP)
The Key Apprenticeship Program is a new initiative that gives financial support to apprentices training in priority trade sectors. The program will be open to apprentices who are just starting out or getting back into their training.
KAP has two main categories:
New Energy Apprenticeship Stream: This helps people who want to work in clean energy jobs like solar panel installation, wind energy, and other renewable energy fields. The goal is to get more people to start and finish apprenticeships in these growing industries.
Housing Construction Apprenticeship Stream: This supports apprentices learning trades in home building and construction, helping to address Australia's housing needs.
If you qualify for KAP, here's what you could receive:
- Full-time apprentices: Up to $10,000 total over your entire apprenticeship
- Part-time apprentices: Up to $5,000 total over your entire apprenticeship
The money gets paid out at specific times during your training:
- Full-time: $2,000 payments at 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, 36 months, and when you complete your apprenticeship
- Part-time: $1,000 payments at the same milestones
Support Programs Extended
The Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment has been extended until 31 December 2025.
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 over two years of the apprenticeship ($5000 in total).
The Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan (AASL) amount has also increased in 2025-2026 to $25,983. This interest-free loan is designed to assist apprentices with the purchase of trade tools and supplies during their training. The AASL is available to eligible apprentices undertaking a qualification on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.
More Money for Living Away From Home
If you need to move away from home for your apprenticeship, the Living Away From Home Allowance has been increased as follows:
- First year: Now $120 per week (up from $77.17)
- Second year: Now $90 per week (up from $38.59)
- Third year: Now $45 per week (up from $25)
These amounts will be adjusted each year on 1 July in line with CPI to keep up with cost of living changes.
The Government’s financial support changes represent a significant investment in helping young Australians gain the skills and training they need, while supporting industries crucial to the country’s future.
For full details including eligibility criteria visit the Australian Apprenticeships website.