Costs and incentives for employing trainees
Traineeship wages vary according to certain characteristics of the trainee (eg. years of school completed, years of training), the type of traineeship and the industry or occupation.
A trainee is usually paid a training wage, reflecting that the employee spends time in training. In other respects such as superannuation, workers' compensation and other entitlements or requirements, a New Apprentice is treated in the same away as all other employees, although some State Governments offer exemptions on workers’ compensation and/or payroll tax.
There are many ways to employ a trainee, including through Australian Workplace Agreements. With an Australian Workplace Agreement or Certified Agreement you can, for example, vary the mix of training and working time (providing certain conditions are met), employ a trainee on a part time basis, and specify other terms and conditions which are appropriate to the needs of your business.
The employer may also have to pay for TAFE enrolment
Financial Incentives
There are a range of financial incentives available to employers of trainees, including special extra incentives payable to employers who might, for example, employ a mature age trainee.
Western Institute of TAFE is unable to advise employers which incentives apply to their individual business, but is happy to provide the following links.
Should you require more information please contact your local Australian Apprenticeships Centre.
How to access incentives and subsidies
For information on how to access these incentives and subsidies and the full range of incentives employers may be eligible for, contact your local Australian Apprenticeships Centre.
This link provides a summary of NSW Government incentives.
To view Commonwealth Government incentives see the Australian Apprenticeships web site.