The Australian Government understands that the first and seconds years of an Apprenticeship can be tough especially for young people starting in a trade for the first time. That’s why the tax-free $2,000 Apprenticeship Wage Top-Up can support you when you need it most – during this early stage of your career.
What is the Apprenticeship Wage Top-Up?
The Apprenticeship Wage Top-Up is a tax-free payment of $2,000 paid in four $500 instalments during the first year and second years of an eligible full-time Australian Apprentice’s training, or $500 each year for the first four years of a part-time Australian Apprenticeship or Australian School-based Apprenticeship.
Payments of $500 will be made into the Australian Apprentice’s nominated bank account every six months from the starting date of their Australian apprenticeship, with the first payment being made from January 2008. For part-time Australian Apprentices or Australian School-based Apprentices, the payment will be $500 every 12 months.
Am I Eligible?
You are eligible to receive the Apprenticeship Wage Top-Up payment if you are a new or existing first or second year Australian Apprentice under the age of 30 at the time you start your Australian Apprenticeship. You will also need to be undertaking an apprenticeship in a trade experiencing a skills shortage to be eligible to receive the Apprenticeship Wage Top-Up.
Contact your Australian Apprenticeship Centre to check your eligibility to receive or claim the Apprenticeship Way Top-Up.
For more information call the Australian Apprenticeships referral line on 13 38 73 or visit the Australian Apprenticeships website at www.australia.gov.au/australianapprenticeships.