Benefits and Resources for Apprentices and Trainees

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We know that apprentices and trainees who are supported throughout their Boilermaker Apprenticeship, Fitter and Turner Apprenticeship or any other apprenticeship or traineeship are more likely to achieve completion, and get the most out of the journey.  

MIGAS has nearly 35 years’ experience helping Australian apprentices and trainees secure work in their chosen trade, and we understand the importance of having every resource and benefit available to you to help you succeed. 

We have compiled a list of these potential benefits and assistance to support your apprenticeship or traineeship (eligibility requirements/terms and conditions apply - always check with the provider directly).

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE    LIVING EXPENSES    TRAVEL ALLOWANCES    TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT     BENEFITS, DISCOUNTS AND BONUSES   

Financial Assistance

  • Trade Support Loan

    The Australian Government provides financial assistance by offering Trade Support Loans (TSLs) for eligible qualifications and occupations (view the Priority List as of 1 July 2022). A TSL can help pay for your everyday living expenses while you undertake your apprenticeship or traineeship. It is an interest-free government funded loan that is paid to you in monthly instalments, up to a maximum of $22,890 over the lifetime of your apprenticeship or traineeship.

    You will start repaying your TSL once you complete your qualification and reach the compulsory repayment threshold i.e. once you earn the minimum annual salary (currently $48,361 for 2022-23), repayments will be deducted through the income tax system.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • Training Support Payment

    The Training Support Payment provides up to two years of direct financial support to Australian Apprentices commencing an apprenticeship in priority occupations experiencing national skills shortage.

    Eligible apprentices undertaking a qualification with an occupational outcome listed on the Priority List can claim up to four six-monthly payments (up to $1,250 each) over two years of the apprenticeship.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • Low Income Health Care Card

    There is a range of different low income support available including the Low Income Health Care Card. This card is available if you meet the low income and residence criteria. Benefits can include:

    • Cheaper medicines under the PBS
    • Bulk-billed doctor visits
    • 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

     

    Click on the link to find out if you are eligible to receive the health care card:

    FIND OUT MORE

  • Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY

    Any one or more of these payments are available to you as an Australian Apprentice if you meet the requirements. This will give you access to fortnightly payments delivered by Centrelink.

    • Youth Allowance for Australian Apprentices aged 16-24
    • Austudy for Australian Apprentices aged 25 and over
    • ABSTUDY for Australian Apprentices of any age and who are Indigenous Australians

     

    If you receive ABSTUDY you'll receive a Fares Allowance, one of the aged-based payments above, Rent Assistance, and a Health Care Card for low income earners.

    Further information about these payments from the Department of Human Services can be found by calling 13 24 68 or at www.humanservices.gov.au.

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

    FIND OUT MORE

  • NSW Smart and Skilled Program

    (NSW RESIDENTS ONLY)

    Fee-Free Apprenticeship and Trainee Training: NSW offers apprentices and trainees (including school based arrangements) student fees funded under the NSW Government's Smart and Skilled Program.

    Fee-Free Apprenticeships are a proven pathway to well paid jobs in a diverse range of careers. Fee-free means no more upfront training costs for students or employers.

    FIND OUT MORE

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Living Expenses

  • Living Away from Home Allowance

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

    LAFHA can provide you with up to $77.17 per week for the first 12 months and $38.59 during your second year. A further 12 months in the third year provides $25 per week.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • ETAX

    Many items relating to your apprenticeship can be claimed at tax time and it's important to know what they are so you can get the maximum return. Depending on what industry your trade is in, you maybe able to claim for all or some of the following:

    • Clothing and protective items
    • Sunscreen and sun protection
    • Cleaning and laundry
    • Tools and equipment
    • Mobile phone expenses
    • Car and vehicle tax deductions
    • Self-education expenses

     

    FIND OUT MORE

  • NSW Motor Registration

    (NSW residents only)

    If you live in NSW, you can apply for a vehicle registration rebate when undertaking an apprenticeship. A rebate of $100 to assist with the cost of registering your motor vehicle is available in the first and second years of your apprenticeship.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • VIC Trade Apprentice Registration

    (Vic residents only)

    A trade apprentice discount can be used to get 50% off your next car registration fee (including the TAC charge), if you're using your own car, ute or van for approved work purposes, or are regularly using it to get to and from work between 8.30pm and 5.30am, and the vehicle does not exceed 4.5 tonnes GVM.

    To be eligible, you must have a Victorian driver's licence and have received your registration renewal notice. L drivers, expired/cancelled or suspended licences, or a vehicle registered in someone else's name are not eligible, or if you already have a vehicle receiving a discount.

    FIND OUT MORE

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Travel allowances

  • QLD Translink

    (QLD residents only)

    If you live in Queensland, Translink offers a student concession TransLink card for all public transport. 

    FIND OUT MORE

  • NSW Transport Allowance OPAL CARD

    (NSW residents only)

    If you live in NSW, you are entitled to receive a Transport Concession Entitlement Card. This card is an Opal concession card and provides discounted fares on NSW government trains, buses, most ferries, and light rail within the Opal network, Sydney and surrounding areas. 

    FIND OUT MORE

  • VIC Youth Central

    (VIC residents only)

    If you're a student in Victoria, you can receive discounts and concessions on a range of products and services including public transport, event tickets and health care.

    Other discounts include airfares, books, transport, computers and software, car registration, medical and dental costs, and movie and club memberships.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • QLD TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION SUBSIDY

    (QLD residents only)

    If you live in Queensland, a travel and accommodation subsidy may be available to you which applies to apprentices and trainees excluding school-based. The subsidy is provided through DESBT (Department of Employment, Small Business and Training) and claims can be submitted to the Department within six months of completion of the training block or the attendance period for which you're claiming.

    To apply, you must be registered in Queensland and travel at least 100kms return (by direct route) to your training organisation from your usual place of residence. You will be required to attend the closest training organisation able to deliver training to your relevant qualification.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • NSW VTAS - Travel and Accommodation Allowance

    (NSW Residents Only)

    If you are an apprentice or new entrant trainee who is required to travel more than 120km round trip to attend day- or block-release training with your RTO (Registered Training Organisation), you maybe eligible for the Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS).

    There is also CAPS available for any relocation and rental expenses for unemployed apprentices or new entrant trainees who are required to relocate more than 60km in order to continue their apprenticeship or traineeship with a new employer.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • WA Travel and Accommodation Allowance

    (WA RESIDENTS ONLY)

    If you live in Western Australia, financial assistance is provided to contribute towards the travel and accommodation costs of eligible apprentices required to attend off-the-job training. An eligible apprentice is entitled to claim the following based on the round trip distance travelled to the closest training provider:

    • Fewer than 71km - no assistance
    • Between 71 and 199km - travel allowance only
    • 200km or more - travel and accommodation allowance

     

    FIND OUT MORE

  • SA Travel and Accommodation Allowance

    (SA RESIDENTS ONLY)

    If you live and travel more than 150km to get to and from your closest approved training provider, the state government may contribute towards some of your travel and accommodation costs. 

    FIND OUT MORE

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Tools and Equipment

  • Jimy Tools

    The Jimy Tools Apprentice Program (Aussie Apprentice Appreciation or "Triple-A" program for short) provides apprentices with the opportunity to purchase high-quality Jimy Tool Kits and receive two rewards:

    1. 15% bonus stock when you receive your tool kit
    2. 20% off Jimy Tools ordered in-store or online for your entire career

    Once you place an order, you are contacted to submit a proof of apprenticeship documentation. Once approved, you will need to send a photo with your thumbs up for a one time only coupon code which is redeemable online for 15% off bonus stock.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • Sidchrome

    Sidchrome offers a range of Apprentice Tool Kits and all you will need is proof of apprenticeship documentation to redeem. Depending on the purchase, you may also receive a free bonus tool. 

    FIND OUT MORE

  • Blackwoods

    Kickstart your apprenticeship with eligible deals from Blackwoods. 

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  • Collins Tools and Welding Supplies

    Collins Tools and Welding Supplies prides itself on being a great supporter of Australian's next generation of tradies. Whether it's a beginner's kit, toolbox or safety gear, they are a one stop shop. Simply produce proof of your apprenticeship to receive special apprentice pricing on every purchase.

    Items include Sidchrome, Kincrome, KC tools, safety, gas, welding equipment, workshop and machinery equipment, power tools, cutting tools, air tools, adhesives, cleaners and marketing products, tool kits, and abrasive suppliers.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • Bunnings PowerPass Apprentice

    Bunnings offers an apprentice-specific PowerPass which includes the same benefits as their Trade PowerPass. These include:

    • Access to PowerPass offers 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

     

    FIND OUT MORE

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Benefits, Discounts and Bonuses

  • Student Edge

    Student Edge is the largest member-based organisation of high school, TAFE, VET and university students in Australia. It works to bring together the latest news, best discounts, free online competitions, paid surveys, job listings, study material, fun-filled forums and more.

    Student Edge has an app called "Student Edge - The App" that has coupons, promo codes, free offerings like Office 365 for students, discounts on selected Apple products, Uber and Uber Eats discounts, Spotify, Woolworths and other food chains. Look under "Deals" and search by state to see what discounts and freebies are available.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • Oz Studies

    Student discounts are available through Oz Studies, and all you need is your student ID card to obtain a range of discounts across different industries. 

    FIND OUT MORE

  • NSW The Way Ahead Program for Aboriginal People

    (NSW RESIDENTS ONLY)

    This program is a free service for Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander apprentices and trainees who need additional support in the workplace. The program focuses on providing workplace mentoring, improving access to employment and training, and creating business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

    FIND OUT MORE

  • NSW Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships

    (NSW residents only)

    This scholarship was launched in 2014 to assist apprentices (including school-based) who have experienced hardship in their life to successfully complete their apprenticeship. Speak to your Field Officer to see if your circumstances allow you to be eligible. The scholarship offers a potential incentive of up to $15,000.

    Each year a large number of scholarships are granted and will include those for Indigenous Apprentices, and up to five who have completed one of the 'Fit for Work' programs under the NSW Police Commissioner’s RISEUP Strategy.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • TAFE QLD

    (QLD RESIDENTS ONLY)

    TAFE QLD offers support platforms as follows:

    1. Learning support for assignments, essay writing and referencing, study skills and exam preparation, English and math, time management and organisation skill. In some locations, class support and workshops and tutorials may be available.
    2. Studiosity, mental health and wellbeing, counselling, access ability support, Indigenous student support, international student support and career and employment services.

     

    FIND OUT MORE

  • WA Skillstone TV

    (WA RESIDENTS ONLY)

    WA students and apprentices have plenty of benefits to reap on this site. Not only is it a link to Student Edge, full of information and discounts, but it also showcases hundreds of videos about getting a trade or skill in a diverse range of industries. 

    FIND OUT MORE

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This information is subject to change so always check the source for the latest details, specific terms and conditions and eligibility requirements.