Australia pays apprentices a real wage AND stacks government money on top. Here is the full 2026 incentive picture, straight from the official sources.
Under the Key Apprenticeship Program, apprentices in housing construction and clean-energy trades — electrical, plumbing, carpentry, solar — receive up to $10,000 in staged payments across their apprenticeship, and their employer receives $5,000 for taking them on. Priority-list trades outside those sectors receive $2,500 each for apprentice and employer (2026 rates). Your wage is separate and on top — set by your award, not the incentive system.
Up to $10,000 for apprentices in housing and clean-energy trades — eligibility and how payments stage.
Check eligibility →Interest-free loans up to $25,983 while you train — with 20% wiped off when you finish. Repay only once you earn over $67,000.
See the loan →Up to $120 a week tax-free in year one if you have to move for your apprenticeship.
Details →Over 725,000 enrolments in three years — fee-free places in priority courses including the trades, state by state.
Find a course →Rates shown are the 2026 system for new commencements; apprenticeships started earlier keep their original higher rates. Always confirm current amounts at apprenticeships.gov.au.