Financial Assistance
You may be able to get financial assistance from the following sources:
-
Your employer
Some modern awards require employers to pay or reimburse tuition fees. To find out whether you are coverd by such an award:
- call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94; or
- visit the Fair Work Online website
In some cases, employers will voluntarily pay tuition fees so you are encouraged to ask whether they would consider this.
-
Student loans
Some TAFE or training providers have student loans available. You can ask about the availability of student loans when you enroll.
-
Accommodation Allowance
Apprentices and trainees who are staying away from home to attend classes are entitled to an Accommodation Allowance.
For more information, speak to your training provider.
-
Apprentice Trade Bonus
Apprentices who have reached the six month point of their first year’s training are eligible for a payment of $250. A further $250 is available for apprentices who finish their first year's training and enrol for their second year’s training.
The Trade Bonus is paid to apprentices who commenced their contract of training on or after 1 January 2006.
For more information see the Apprentice Trade Bonus Program section of this website.
-
Apprentice/Trainee Completion Bonus
The bonus applies to apprenticeships and traineeship completions after 1 July 2003 and is subject to the following eligibility criteria:
- the apprentice or trainee must have commenced the apprenticeship or traineeship prior to 1 July 2011
- the employer must employ three or more eligible apprentices and/or trainees studying at Certificate III and above
- the apprentice or trainee must be a ‘new entrant’ apprentice or trainee, not an existing employee
- the apprentice or trainee must be under 25 years old when they enter into their Training Contract
- school based apprentices and trainees are eligible provided the other criteria are met.
The incentives available are:
| Apprenticeships (Set A) |
Date of Completion or progression | Bonus Amount | Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Progression payment |
Prior to 01/07/2010 |
$1,750.00 |
12 months before nominal completion date |
|
Completion Payment |
$1,750.00 |
Final Payment on completion |
|
|
Early Completion Payment |
$1,000.00 |
On completion post |
|
|
Progression payment |
Post 01/07/2010 |
$2,000.00 |
12 months before nominal completion date |
|
Completion Payment |
$2,000.00 |
Final Payment on completion |
|
|
Early Completion Payment |
$1,000.00 |
On completion post |
|
| Traineeships (Set T) | Date of Completion | Bonus Amount | Payable |
|
Completion Payment |
Prior to 01/07/2010 |
$1,300.00 |
On completion |
|
Completion Payment |
From 01/07/2010 |
$1,300.00 |
On completion |
* No payment is applicable for trainee completions below certificate III.
An Early Completion Bonus of $1000 rewards the employer of any apprentice who completes their training more than six months early. This bonus does not apply to early completion of traineeships.
Further information
If you require further information please phone Higher Education and Skills on 1300 722 603.