Increased incentives announced for apprentices in residential housing sector

The Prime Minister announced on 24 January that apprentices working in the residential housing sector will be eligible for a $10,000 incentive payment, payable over five instalments to the completion of the apprenticeship, to encourage them to take up apprenticeships in the sector and see their training contract through to completion. 

The announcement was part of the Government’s initial response to the final report of the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System. Other measures announced on 24 January included: 

• Maintain the 2025 Priority List and extend current Australian Apprentice Training Support and Priority Hiring Incentive payment settings by six months until 31 December 2025. 

• Increase the Living Away From Home Allowance from 1 July 2025 so apprentices can meet the costs associated with moving to take up an apprenticeship. The report recommended raising the amounts by $56.88 per week for first year apprentices, $28.44 per week for second year apprentices and $18.43 per week for third year apprentices. 

• Increase the Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support payment from 1 July 2025 to support employers taking on apprentices with disability. The report recommended raising the amount to $216.07 per week. 

The final report contains 34 recommendations across the full spectrum of apprenticeship incentives and supports. The Government will consult with stakeholders over the coming months about remainder of the recommendations with a view to implementation by December 2025. 

Read the Prime Minister’s media release 

Read the final report of the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System 

Read Ai Group’s media release