Incentives for SMEs to Employ Apprentices

In February 2023, the Hon. Michael de Brenni, Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement, visited Maryborough to check on local plumbers. This has raised some questions on how the government is supporting small-to-medium enterprises who are employing apprentices.

Here are some of the initiatives of the Queensland government to help and incentivize employers who are raising the next generation of plumbers.

The Back to Work Incentives Program offers eligible regional employers up to $20,000 to employ eligible previously unemployed jobseekers. The payment can be accessed by employers of trainees and apprenticeships. Additional Australian Government Incentives can also apply under the Australian Governments Incentives program associated with apprenticeships. Click here for more information.

The apprentice and trainee rebate for payroll tax provides Queensland employers with a payroll tax rebate on wages paid to eligible apprentices and trainees. A 50% rebate is available from 1 July for the financial years of 2016 to 2023. Check if you can apply.

WorkCover Queensland also gives employers a discount on their premium if they employ an apprentice. The discount is applied by removing the apprentice wages from the employer’s premium calculation. Click here for more information.
Eligible Queensland apprentices and trainees can apply for a Travel and Accommodation Subsidy, which provides financial assistance for travel expenses incurred by attending off-the-job training at the closest registered training organisation that offers the required qualification. This is available if travel incurred is a minimum of 100 kilometres return from their usual place of residence. Apply here.

The Free apprenticeships for under 25s program will cover the cost of training for Queensland apprentices or trainees who commenced or are undertaking 1 of the 139 high priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023. Electrical and plumbing trades are included. Depending on the apprenticeship and duration, a business can save up to $3,000 over the life of the apprenticeship. Click here for more information.

Employers may be eligible for financial assistance from the Australian Government to help with hiring and training an apprentice or trainee. More information about wage subsidies, skills shortage payments, and other financial support can be found here.

The Queensland Training Ombudsman undertook a Review of support provided to Queensland Apprentices and Trainees, with a focus on female apprentices in male dominated occupations. Whilst there are no major systemic changes required, there are a number of initiatives to try and support both apprentices and employers to maintain the apprenticeships, as well as attract—particularly female—apprentices to the industry. These include an Apprenticeships Info Line as well as the new “Let’s Protect Respect” Campaign launched by the Hon. Minister de Brenni to eliminate bullying and harassment which may result in losing apprentices to employers and industry. Find out more about the “Let’s Protect Respect” campaign here.

For more information about taking on an apprentice, utilise our HR Advisory Services, available to MPAQ members.

HR Advisory Services

MPAQ members have access to HR Advisory Services, which provide support and information specific to your business’s needs. Whether you need advice on wages and awards, leave entitlements, performance management, enterprise agreements, WorkCover requirements or dispute resolution, taking on an apprentice, or the legislation relating to these areas, we've got you covered.

For HR advice, call us on 07 3273 0800 or email hr@mpaq.com.au.