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Government funding for apprentices
To further support professional development in our field, be aware that governments around Australia provide incentives for apprentices, and the refrigeration and air conditioning industry is on the apprenticeship priority list which ensures it qualifies for many of the incentives for apprentices and employers.
Some of those available through the Australian Government include:
- Employers of Cert III or above may be eligible to receive 10% of your apprentice’s wages through the Priority Wage incentive. It will be paid to you for the first 24 months (up to $1500 per quarter), plus 5% for the third 12-month period (up to $750 per quarter).
- Apprentices may be eligible for Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans totalling up to $25,643 to buy tools and supplies. You will not have to repay your loan until you are earning an income above the threshold ($54,435 for 2024-25). Once you complete your apprenticeship, you will receive a 20% discount on your loan.
- Apprentices having to move away from your parents’ or guardians’ home for your training may be receive a Living Away from Home allowance up to $77.17 per week.
- RAC Technicians and RAC Mechanical Services Plumbers appear on the New Energy apprenticeships list, so apprentices can be eligible for up to $10,000 over the course of an apprenticeship.
- Women are eligible for additional incentives such as industry mentoring and entrepreneurship training. Apprentice Australia.
- People with a disability may have access to Employee Assistance Fund (EAF) funding for work-related modifications, equipment, Auslan services and workplace assistance and support services. Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support which can provide a wage subsidy to your employer.
- First Nations apprentices may be eligible for ABSTUDY support through Services Australia.
- ARC proudly supports the TAFE Queensland Foundation in sponsoring a $5,000 scholarship for a First Nations refrigeration and air conditioning apprentice.
- ARC offers subsidised Green Scheme Accreditation for graduates of the Dual Trade refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) and electrical training delivered by TAFE SA, which includes low-GWP refrigerants.
