Wage support for ECEC services which engage apprentices and trainees

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services who engage an apprentice or trainee between 5 October 2020 and 30 June 2022 may be eligible for a subsidy of 50 per cent of gross wages (up to $7,000 per quarter) for 12 months, with the program closing to new entrants on 30 June 2022. 

The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy supports employers to engage new and recommencing apprentices and trainees, and adds value to the ECEC sector not only through the provision to support emerging professionals in the sector, but also through easing the workforce shortage issues being faced by many services. 

Employers who take part in the program may be eligible for the Completing Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees that progress to a second or third year of training.

From 1 July 2022 a new Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (AAIS) will commence, building on the success of the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy and replacing the previous Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.

The AAIS will provide incentives to eligible employers. It will be rolled out in two phases:

• from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024, the AAIS will provide wage subsidies for eligible employers in priority occupations, including early childhood education and care
• from 1 July 2024, employers in priority occupations will be supported through a hiring incentive

Learn more about the existing Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy using the links provided. For information on the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System please see here.