Why hire an apprentice or trainee?

Training in-house is a great way to safeguard against future skills shortages. Apprentices and trainees also gain fresh skills and learnings that can be a useful resource for other employees, keeping your business current with new approaches and industry best practices.

Special pay rates and incentives make taking on an apprentice or trainee a cost-effective way of recruiting new talent. They acknowledge the training status of your apprentice or trainee, while also including provisions for that training. Over time, apprentices and trainees become more productive, and you’ll also benefit from their growing set of up-to-the-minute skills and industry insights.

Apprentices and trainees needn’t be newcomers to your business. You can use apprenticeship or traineeship programs to upskill existing workers, ensuring your staff is qualified and productive – as well as challenged and enriched.

Offering an apprenticeship or traineeship is also a meaningful way of assisting someone who’s looking to start or restart their career in your industry. They can train, study and earn an income, all while contributing to your annual turnover.

The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System provides support to a number of employers through wage subsidies or hiring incentives for apprentices and trainees. Head to Australian Apprenticeships(opens in a new window) to see if you qualify for this support. Regional and remote employers may gain a 5 per cent boost on top of regular benefits in the scheme. Businesses employing apprentices and trainees with a disability may also be eligible for additional support(opens in a new window).