Get Up to $2,500 in Government Funding
Priority Hiring Incentive
The Priority Hiring Incentive funds employers to hire, train, and retain skilled workers, strengthening businesses and addressing skill shortages across Australia.
What is the Priority Hiring Incentive?
The Priority Hiring Incentive supports both employers and employees in priority industries across Australia, helping businesses build a skilled workforce while providing employees with access to government-funded training.
As Australia’s workforce evolves, this government-backed initiative will be available from January 2025 to support training, development, and retention. Whether you're an employer looking to invest in your team or an employee looking to upskill, this incentive makes nationally recognised training more accessible and affordable.
Benefits for Employers and Employees
- Employers: Get up to $2,500 per employee to train and retain skilled workers.
- Employees: Receive up to $2,500 in training support to upskill.
Support & Benefits for Employers
As an employer, you may be eligible for up to $2,500 in government incentives under an eligible training contract to help train and retain skilled workers. This incentive applies to both new and existing employees, allowing businesses to upskill their workforce and address critical skill shortages.
Full-Time Australian Trainees:
- $1,000 is payable at 6 months.
- $1,500 is payable at 12 months.
Part-Time Australian Trainees:
- $500 is payable at 6 months.
- $750 is payable at 12 months.
A total of up to $2,500 over 12 months under an eligible training contract.
Support & Benefits for Employees or Trainees
If you’re a trainee or employee in a priority occupation, you can receive up to $2,500 in government support to help you complete your training. This financial assistance is designed to help you upskill or update your knowledge with the latest industry practices while staying supported throughout your training.
Full-Time Trainee Support:
- $625 payable at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months (total: $2,500)
Part-Time Trainee Support:
- $315 payable at 6 and 12 months
- $310 payable at 18 and 24 months
- Total: $1,250
FAQs About Priority Hiring Incentive
No, you can sign up a new or existing employee into an Australian Apprenticeship on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List and attract the Priority Hiring Incentive, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
The Priority Hiring Incentive applies to high-demand industries, including:
- Aged Care
- Community Services
- Mental Health
- Disability Support
- Individual Support
And more…
To apply:
1️⃣ Confirm employee interest and identify their preferred course for upskilling.
2️⃣ Check your business eligibility and register your interest.
3️⃣ We’ll guide you through the next steps to get you and your employees set up.
Filling out the eligibility form takes only a few minutes. Once submitted, our team will review your details and provide the next steps.
Yes. From 1 January 2026, the Priority Hiring Incentive for employers has been updated to a maximum of $2,500 for full-time and $1,250 for part-time Australian Apprentices, paid over two instalments in the first year. The Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment for trainees is also up to $2,500 for full-time and $1,250 for part-time, paid in four equal instalments over two years. Apprenticeships that commenced before 1 January 2026 continue to receive the previous rates.