Hiring an apprentice or trainee?
Here’s everything you need to know
Congratulations on hiring an Australian Apprentice! Here you’ll find all the information you need about the steps you need to take.
On this page you’ll find out:
How to get ready for your sign-up appointment with MEGT |
An MEGT consultant will visit your workplace to sign up your apprentice or trainee to a Federal Government Training Contract. This is a face-to-face meeting which you and your apprentice or trainee must attend.
If your apprentice or trainee is under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian should also be present. If they can’t make it, we need to obtain their signature soon afterward. The Training Contract cannot be registered with the relevant State Training Authority until parent consent is obtained.
We will send your apprentice or trainee information about the sign-up appointment and where they can go for support throughout their apprenticeship. View our Apprenticeship Information Kit to find out what your apprentice or trainee needs to prepare before the sign-up appointment.
How MEGT will support you and your apprentice or trainee |
We understand that employing an apprentice or trainee may present some challenges.
That’s why MEGT is dedicated to working with you and your apprentice or trainee every step of the way. Our team can provide you with the tools and resources to navigate common challenges and help your apprentice or trainee complete their qualifications.
Our team can also provide expert assistance and advice to help resolve short-term setbacks and, where required, can offer your apprentice free one-on-one mentoring by a qualified mentor or make referrals to specialist support services.
To find out more about MEGT’s mentoring and personal support services click here.
Financial incentives available for employers |
Your business may be eligible for Federal Government payments and benefits including:
- Priority Hiring Incentive
- Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS)
The easiest way to see what support you might be eligible for is to view our guide to financial incentives. You can also visit apprenticeships.gov.au and use the Employer Incentives Explorer.
Eligibility criteria is set out in the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System Guidelines available at https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-support-individuals/resources/australian-apprenticeships-incentive-system-guidelines.
How to claim financial incentives |
You will need to have an Apprenticeships Data Management System (ADMS) account to claim any government incentives and/or payments. ADMS is a secure platform which supports the delivery of the Australian Apprenticeship program.
You’ll need a myGov login to access ADMS. If you don’t already have one, you can set one up after your sign-up appointment. You’ll then be able to view and claim incentives.
Need a hand with setting up your ADMS account?
If you need a hand setting up an account, view our guide to ADMS.
If you need advice about incentives or help with making a claim, please call 13 MEGT (6348) or email us.
Essential and important information and guides |
The following documents outline how MEGT will work with you, how we store and look after your personal information and privacy, and what to do if you have a complaint.
Commonwealth Government guides for employers of apprentices or trainees
The following guides outline how MEGT works with the Commonwealth Government to deliver apprenticeships and traineeships, and what to expect from both MEGT and the government.
Who you can contact in your state |
Depending on where your business operates from, there are a number of organisations who can provide support. You may also be eligible to receive further financial incentives and support depending on your State.
State Training Authority - Skills Canberra
Skills Canberra regulates education and training providers in the Australian Capital Territory.
GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601
State Training Authority - Training Services NSW
Training Services NSW regulates education and training providers in New South Wales.
PO Box 5068, Parramatta NSW 2124
State Incentives
Workcover - Apprentice Incentive Scheme
Employers who hire an apprentice may be entitled to a premium reduction based on the wages paid to your apprentice. Find out more on the iCare website.
Payroll Tax rebate for apprentices and trainees
A payroll tax rebate is available for wages paid to apprentices and trainees recognised by Training Services NSW. Find out more on the Revenue NSW website.
State Training Authority - Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training regulates education and training providers in Queensland.
PO Box 15483, City East QLD 4001
State Incentives
Workcover - Apprentice Incentive Scheme
Employing apprentices in your business can bring numerous benefits, including helping you to lower your premium costs. Find out more on the Worksafe QLD website.
Payroll Tax rebate for apprentices and trainees
Full exemptions for all wages paid to registered apprentices and new worker trainees. For apprentice and trainee wages that are exempt from payroll tax, a rebate of 50% of their wages is also available. Find out more on the Business Queensland website.
State Training Authority - Skills SA
The Department of Education regulates education and training providers in South Australia.
GPO Box 1152, Adelaide SA 5001
State Training Authority - Skills Tasmania
Skills Tasmania regulates education and training providers in Tasmania.
GPO Box 536, Hobart TAS 7001
State Training Authority - Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
The VRQA regulates education and training providers in Victoria.
GPO Box 2317, Melbourne VIC 3001
State Training Authority - Apprenticeship Office
The Department of Training and Workforce Development (Apprenticeship Office) registers and administers training contracts, and regulates the apprenticeship system in Western Australia.
Locked Bag 16, Osborne Park DC WA 6916
State Incentives
Payroll Tax Exemption
Western Australian State Government provides a payroll tax exemption on wages paid to apprentices under a registered training contract and eligible trainees. Find out more WA Government website.
Jobs and Skills WA employer incentive
Employers may be eligible for up to $8,500 via the State Government Employer Incentive Scheme. Find out more Jobs and Skills WA website.
CTF Apprenticeship and Traineeship Grant
Construction Training Fund (CTF) provides a grant to support Western Australian construction employers in hiring an apprentice or trainee. An eligible business may receive up to $26,000. Check if your business is eligible on the Training Fund website.
Throughout the apprenticeship, if you have questions or need additional support, call 13 MEGT (6348) or email us.
