Apprenticeship Funding Changes in Australia: Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re running a trade business and considering taking on apprentices, these government changes will impact your hiring decisions in 2026. Here’s What You Need to Know:

Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) – Trades in housing construction and clean energy are being prioritised with up to $15,000 in combined incentives:

• $5,000 for you as the employer

• $10,000 for your apprentice. This applies to critical trades helping build homes and support renewable energy projects.

Priority Apprenticeships – If your trade is on the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List, you’ll receive up to $5,000 in combined support:

• $2,500 for your business

• $2,500 for your apprentice

Non-priority apprenticeships – Trades not on the priority lists won’t receive Commonwealth incentives.

Good News for Current Apprentices – If you’ve already taken on an apprentice before 1 January 2026, your existing incentive arrangements stay in place. Living Away From Home Allowance and Support Loans also remain available.

Not Sure Where Your Trade Sits? MRAEL can help you determine if your trade qualifies for support and what funding you can access.

Get the Full Details

Factsheet (PDF): https://bit.ly/4pbJGLV

FAQs (PDF): https://bit.ly/4pbJGLV