Sammy
Australia’s government has extended the Priority Hiring Incentive through 31 December 2025, offering employers up to $5,000 per full-time apprentice in priority trades, including those within the new housing construction stream.
What Is the Priority Hiring Incentive?
The Priority Hiring Incentive supports employers hiring apprentices in occupations currently in high demand. Eligible employers receive:
- $2,000 after 6 months
- $3,000 after 12 months
– total of $5,000 for full-time apprentices, or $2,500 for part-time roles.
This supports industry by offsetting training and wage costs, making apprenticeship programs more viable.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible
- Apprentices must start or recommence in a priority occupation from 1 July 2024 onward.
- The occupation must be on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List—which now includes housing construction, electric vehicle tech, marine, childcare, and more.
- Employers must not receive other wage subsidies (e.g., DAAWS) for the same apprentice.
- The apprenticeship must be formally registered via the Aprenticeships Data Management System (ADMS).
Incentive Extension & Timeline
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Incentive expiry | 31 December 2025, extended by six months |
| Apprentice start window | From 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2025 |
| First payment | After 6 months of training |
| Final payment | After 12 months |
This extension was introduced in response to widespread employer feedback about cost pressures in hiring apprentices.
Why It Matters Now
- Eases apprenticeship costs during a period of high inflation and labour shortage .
- Targets critical trades, including welding, plumbing, indoor construction—now bolstered through the housing stream.
- Supports national goals of training 186,800 extra skilled workers by 2034.
Employer Action Plan
Employers should follow these steps
- Check the Priority List to ensure your trade qualifies.
- Register apprentices via ADMS to access incentive payments.
- Track apprenticeship milestones—payments occur at Month 6 and Month 12.
- Submit claims via ADMS promptly after each milestone.
- Avoid overlapping subsidies, including the Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS).
Beyond Priority: Additional Support
The government is also offering
- Housing Construction Stream: A$10,000 total incentive for apprentices in housing construction from July 2025.
- Disability Apprentice Wage Support increase and Living Away From Home Allowance from 1 July 2025.
- Subsidised GTO fees to support SMEs hiring apprentices.
With the Priority Hiring Incentive extended to 31 December 2025, now is the time for employers to hire apprentices in priority trades.
Claim up to $5,000 per full-time apprentice, streamline costs, and build a skilled workforce aligned with national needs.
Check your trade’s status, register apprentices now, and secure your incentives.
FAQs
Q1: Can I claim the $5,000 incentive for a part-time apprentice?
Yes. You can receive $1,000 after 6 months and $1,500 after 12 months, totaling $2,500 for part-time apprentices.
Q2: How do I claim the incentive?
Use the ADMS portal and submit claims at the 6- and 12-month training milestones .
Q3: Can I receive the Priority Hiring Incentive and the $10,000 housing stream?
Yes. If your apprentice qualifies for both, you can claim both incentives as long as the apprentice is in a priority occupation