Looking to grow your team without the added cost? You may be able to access government subsidies and incentives.
You can employ or manage your apprentice through a GTO, such as NextGen Skills and still access financial incentives. The State and Commonwealth governments provide employers of apprentices and trainees with financial incentives to assist with the cost of taking on an apprentice plumber or painter. Here is a summary of some of the incentives and subsidies your business may be able to access.
Group Training Organisation (GTO) Wage Subsidy
If you are a small to medium sized business working in the building and construction sector in WA, you could access up to $134,000 in wage subsidies for a year apprenticeship when you take on an apprentice through a Group Training Organisation (GTO) like NextGen Skills.
Thanks to the WA Government’s GTO Wage Subsidy, you’ll gain job-ready apprentices supported every step of the way at a lower cost than hiring direct. The GTO Wage Subsidy covers approximately 100% of the average estimated award wage paid to apprentices and trainees in the building and construction sector, for the period of time the apprentice or trainee remains actively employed in a training contract registered with the Department. The GTO Wage Subsidy does not cover superannuation, leave and other allowances, overtime or over-award payments.
Jobs and Skills WA Employer Incentive (EIS)
The Jobs and Skills WA Employer Incentive is available to employers who employ a new apprentice who are not receiving CTF funding/ grants. You can either hire them through a GTO, like NextGen Skills, or employ them direct. If you choose to employ them direct, NextGen Skills can still help you with their apprenticeship management program – so you employ them, but we can help with services such as mentoring, administrative support, training and recruitment.
A new apprentice will bring vitality, a fresh approach, and boundless enthusiasm, plus, thanks to the introduction of the State Government Employer Incentive Scheme, your new recruit will bring a base payment of up to $8,500 for a four-year apprenticeship, paid in three increments (commencement, mid-point, completion).
If you would like to read more about the State Government incentives and wage subsidies for employers of apprentices and trainees, click here.
GTO Reimbursement Program – Commonwealth
This is the Australian Government’s GTO Reimbursement Program, which not only helps businesses, but ensures that the next generation of skilled workers is well-prepared for the future. Its intent is to reimburse some or all of the costs of a GTO services for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that host an Australian Apprentice, where the SME has not directly engaged an Australian Apprentice or hosted an Australian Apprentice through a GTO arrangement within the last two years.
Key Highlights of the GTO Reimbursement Program
- Financial Support: Eligible businesses with 199 staff or fewer can receive up to $5,000 towards the cost of hiring an apprentice. This funding is specifically aimed at businesses that have not hired an apprentice in the past two years.
- Simplified Administration: Our Apprenticeship and Employment Services (AES) take care of all the administrative tasks, including wages, superannuation, workers’ compensation, and leave entitlements. This allows business owners to focus on their core operations and growth.
- Skilled Workforce: By investing in apprentices, businesses can build a pipeline of skilled workers, ensuring a sustainable and competitive future.
- Community Impact: Participating in the program not only benefits individual businesses but also contributes to the local economy by fostering the growth of skilled labour.
You can read more here about how NextGen Skills can support you. To access the GTO Reimbursement Program FAQs, click here.
Plus there are more. Below is a summary of a few other incentives you might like to read more about.
Additional Incentives and Subsidies (WA & Commonwealth)
Jobs and Skills WA Adult Apprentice Employer Incentive
- Eligible to host employers whose apprentice is over 21 years of age at commencement and working in the building and construction industry.
- Incentive payments of up to $26,800 for a four-year apprenticeship.
- Additional payments of up to $5000 for aboriginal persons or female apprentices.
AUKUS Defence Industry Incentive
- Eligible to host employers approved by Defence West as Defence employers of apprentices in Engineering – Fabrication, Engineering – Mechanical, Engineering – Industrial Electrician and Electrotechnology.
- $20,000 over four years paid in three increments (Commencement, Year 2 and Year 3).
CTF Apprenticeship and Traineeship Grant and Employer
- Eligible to host employers whose apprentices are signed to building and construction qualifications.
- Up to $36,500 over a four-year apprenticeship, paid as a monthly credit.
Priority Hiring Incentive
- Eligible to host employers whose apprentice’s occupation is listed as priority.
- Paid in the first year of apprenticeship in two instalments – $2000 at six months and $3000 at twelve months = $5000 total.
Defence Industry Existing Worker Incentive (DIEWI) — WA
- Up to $6,375 for approved defence employers who sign up an existing worker into specific traineeships; paid at commencement and completion (3-year traineeship).
Final notes (important stacking rules)
- You generally can’t claim the WA Employer Incentive and CTF for the same apprentice/trainee at the same time.
- Many incentives are milestone-based and subject to eligibility, caps and program changes — always confirm against the latest guidance.
NextGen Skills has been working with plumbing and painting apprentices in WA for 40 years and has apprentices at all year levels available for your business now! Contact us to see if you’re eligible at [email protected]