GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES FOR EMPLOYERS
APPRENTICESHIPS/TRAINEESHIPS PROGRAM
Priority Hiring Incentive*
For employers of Australian Apprentices/Trainees in Priority Occupations (including Chefs, Early Childhood, and Aged Care).
Versatile
Apprenticeships and Traineeships are available for both new and current employees.
Skilled Workers
Your staff will receive comprehensive support by Stanley College dedicated trainers.
What IS In It For The Employer?
*subject to eligibility criteria
- Develop qualified and loyal staff that know your company, work environment, standards and customers
- Increased efficiency and productivity of staff
- Training aligned with organisational requirements
- Retention of staff
- Strengthens staff knowledge and skills
- Competitive edge
- Future-proofing your business by passing on company-specific knowledge to the next generation
Incentives Available*
From 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026, the Government will continue to offer strong support for apprenticeships in critical sectors.
To ensure fiscal responsibility while continuing to address workforce needs, incentives for other priority occupations will be adjusted during the same period:
- The incentive will decrease from $5,000 to $2,500 for employers (Priority Hiring Incentive);
- $1,000 at 6 months and $1,500 at 12 months (full- time)
- $500 at 6 months and $750 at 12 months (part-time)
- The maximum payment will reduce from $5,000 to $2,500 for apprentices (Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment).
- $625 at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months for full-time apprentices
- $315 at 6 and 12 months and $310 at 18 and 24 months for part-time apprentices
Eligible Australian apprentices and employers who commence an apprenticeship before 1 January 2026 will continue to receive the current rates of $5,000 for the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment (AATSP) and $5,000 for the Priority Hiring Incentive.
Apprenticeships and traineeships in non-priority occupations are not eligible for Commonwealth financial incentives.
Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans
An Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan (AASL) is an interest free loan to help you Apprentices/Trainees to meet day to day costs while undertaking your their studies. Apprentices/Trainees can borrow up to $27,048 (2026-2027), which is paid in monthly instalments. Apprentices/Trainees can apply for an AASL if they are completing an Australian Apprenticeship in a qualification listed on the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List.
Apprentices/Trainees will not have to repay their loan until they are earning an income above the minimum repayment threshold ($69,528 for 2026-27). Indexation of their loan will be capped at the lower of the Wage Price Index or the Consumer Price Index.
Once Apprentices/Trainees complete their apprenticeship, they will receive a 20% discount on your loan amount.
*Further information is available at the following link: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.au/support-apprentices-and-employers
- Acquire real workplace skills while gaining a nationally-recognised qualification
- Learn on-the-job skills combined with off-the-job training
- Access to mentors at the workplace
- Application of skills and knowledge in the workplace
- Current practices and skills used within industry
- Attend a class on campus one day per month
- Participate in training and complete assessments
- Participate in eight hours per month online
- Participate in workplace visits
INDUSTRIES WE WORK WITH
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (up to 24 months)
New and Existing Worker Trainees learn the fundamentals of providing care and education for babies, infants and young children, and how to help plan and implement educational programs for supporting their wellbeing. Career Pathways available include:
- Early Childhood Educator (Traineeship)
CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (up to 36 months)
New and Existing Worker Trainees learn to provide care and plan, implement and manage programs for children aged 0 to 5 years, in accordance with Australian licensing, accreditation and regulation, duty of care requirements and to manage staff and volunteers. This qualification is for people who have already achieved the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Pathways available include:
- CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or
- CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Alternatively, individual may be eligible if they hold:
- an Australian diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or
- an Australian diploma or certificate III in Children’s Services. AND
- demonstrate at least 12 months of cumulative employment (full-time equivalent) within the last 5 years in a regulated education and care service in Australia, supported by verifiable evidence. Or
- hold the CHCSS00147 Entry into Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
HEALTH
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (up to 12 months)
New and Existing Worker Trainees acquire the skills and knowledge to gain a career in community and/or residential aged care facilities. They learn to provide personal care to people who may require support due to ageing or disability. Pathways available include:
- Disability Work (Traineeship)
- Aged Care Work (Traineeship)
CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support (up to 24 months)
New and Existing Worker Trainees enhance their knowledge and skills required to further a career in Aged Service, either in residential, home or community-based environments. They assist the elderly by facilitating individualised plans to support their needs and gain the experience to provide services to older people with complex needs. Pathways available include:
- Aged Care Work (Traineeship)
HOSPITALITY
SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality (up to 24 months)
New Worker Trainees will kick-start a career in the fast growing and diverse hospitality industry, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to be competent in a varied range of positions within food and beverage. They will acquire a range of well-developed hospitality service, sales or operational skills and sound knowledge of industry operations. Pathways available include:
- Food and Beverage (Traineeship)
COMMERCIAL COOKERY
SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (up to 36 months)
This qualification is achieved through an apprenticeship pathway. Apprentices acquire valuable skills and knowledge to be competent as a qualified cook in a commercial kitchen. They learn about workplace hygiene, first aid and health, safety and security procedures and gain the knowledge to develop cost-effective menus and develop the skills to prepare foods according to dietary and cultural needs. Pathways available include:
- Chef (Apprenticeship)
SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (up to 12 months)
New and Existing Worker Trainees develop competency in cookery and acquire the skills and knowledge to lead a team, they will also learn to implement operational plans and food safety programs. They will acquire skills in people management, inventory control and budgeting. This qualification is for people who have already achieved the SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (leading to the occupation outcome “Chef” through an apprenticeship pathway only) and who have a supervisory or team leading role in the kitchen. Pathways available include:
- Chef de Partie (Traineeship)
BUSINESS
BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (up to 12 months)
New Worker Trainees carry out a range of routine procedural, clerical, administrative or operational tasks that require technology and business skills. They apply a broad range of competencies using some discretion, judgment and relevant theoretical knowledge. They may provide technical advice and support to a team. Pathways available include:
- Business Administration (Traineeship)
- Customer Engagement (Traineeship)
