Sammy
Australia’s Key Apprenticeship Program is launching a dedicated Housing Construction Apprenticeship Stream from 1 July 2025, offering up to A$10,000 in financial incentives for apprentices in key housing construction trades.
This is a pivotal step in addressing skills shortages and meeting the national goal of 1.2 million new homes by 2029.
This article covers everything you need to know: eligibility, incentive structure, payment schedule, and how apprentices and employers can benefit.
What Is the Housing Construction Apprenticeship Stream?
This new stream is part of the Key Apprenticeship Program, introduced in the 2025 Federal Budget and shaped by the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System.
Aimed at boosting construction apprenticeship completion rates, it provides targeted cost-of-living support for apprentices in housing construction occupations .
Who Qualifies?
To qualify
- Must be an Australian apprentice who commences on or after 1 July 2025 in the following trades: carpentry, plumbing, bricklaying, electrical, and related housing roles.
- Employers may be eligible for Priority Hiring Incentives of up to A$5,000 for hiring apprentices in priority occupations.
- Incentives are available nationwide, including in regional and Territory areas.
How Much Can Apprentices Earn?
Eligible apprentices can receive up to A$10,000 paid across five milestone points:
| Milestone | Payment |
|---|---|
| 6 months | A$2,000 |
| 12 months | A$2,000 |
| 24 months | A$2,000 |
| 36 months | A$2,000 |
| Apprenticeship completion | A$2,000 |
—totaling A$10,000 support throughout training.
When Is the Stream Active?
- Start date: 1 July 2025
- End date: 30 June 2029
- The Priority Hiring Incentive for employers is extended until 31 December 2025.
Why It Matters Now
- Bridges the labour gap in housing construction amidst critical housing shortages.
- Supports apprentices’ living costs, reducing dropout rates.
- Aligned with the Federal Government’s commitments in the National Housing Accord and Federal Budget 2025.
What Apprentices & Employers Need to Do
For Apprentices
- Must enrol in an apprenticeship starting July 2025 or later in eligible trades
- Ensure your employer registers for the Key Apprenticeship Program and housing stream
- Track your progress and ensure milestone certifications to receive payments
For Employers
- Register via Apprenticeships support services
- Document apprentices’ training progress
- Apply for and receive priority hiring bonuses (A$5,000) and apprentice incentives
Tips for Success
- Engage early with a Group Training Organisation (GTO)—many offer subsidised fees
- Collaborate with industry bodies like Master Builders or HIA to access resources
- Ensure proper administrative record-keeping for ABC claims
Stakeholder Response
- Master Builders NSW and Apprenticeship Support Australia have welcomed the stream as vital for addressing trade shortages .
- The program builds on existing reforms like Living-Away-From-Home Allowance and Disability Apprentice Wage Support.
Australia’s Housing Construction Apprenticeship Stream, launching 1 July 2025, will empower apprentices and employers with up to A$10,000 in incentives.
This is a significant investment in the housing workforce, addressing both cost-of-living pressures and a critical housing supply gap.
If you’re entering the building trades, this incentive stream is a game-changer—register early, track milestones, and claim your support.
FAQs
Q1: Can apprentices in non-housing trades apply?
No. Only approved housing construction occupations qualify for this financial incentive.
Q2: What steps must employers take to ensure milestone payments?
Employers must register the apprentice in the Key Apprenticeship Program, provide progress records, and claim payments at each milestone.
Q3: Does this affect existing apprentices?
No. Only apprentices who start on or after 1 July 2025 in eligible trades benefit from the new stream.