Financial support extended for RAC apprentices and employers

The updates apply to the Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP), which has been implemented with the goal of encouraging the growth of the workforce and expanding the pipeline of workers training towards critical occupations supporting priority sectors.

The government has extended payments to December 2026, following strong uptake of the KAP since it commenced on July 1 last year. According to the government, more than 15,400 new energy apprentices have started training under the previous and current versions of the program.

Under the KAP, which encompasses New Energy Apprenticeships, employers can receive incentive payments of up to $5,000, paid in two instalments during the first year of the apprenticeship.

Apprentices can receive up to $10,000 (full-time) or $5,000 (part-time) over the course of their apprenticeship. For full-time apprentices, this consists of $2,000 payments at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months and on completion. For part-time apprentices, it consists of $1,000 at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months and on completion.

Eligible apprenticeships include both UEE and MEM courses in refrigeration and air conditioning at Certificate III and higher levels. The full list of eligible apprenticeships and courses is available at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.

Australian apprentices who need to move away from home for their training are eligible to receive tax-free weekly payments of $120 per week for their first year, $90 per week for their second year, and $45 per week in their third year.

Apprentices can also access support loans, and, for those with a disability, dedicated wage support.

The Group Training Organisation (GTO) Reimbursement Pilot Program started at the beginning of 2025. It enables small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to get reimbursed for apprentice places through GTOs. The pilot will close to new entrants on April 30, 2026, or once it reaches 400 caps, whichever occurs first.

More information about support options is available through Apprentice Connect Australia Providers.

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