Apprentices and trainees that undertake training in designated priority occupations, and their employers, are eligible for extra financial support.

The 19 new occupations being added to the 2024 Apprenticeships Priority List are:

• Ambulance Officer
• Animal Husbandry Technician
• Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician
• Architectural Draftperson
• Boat Builder and Repairer
• Earth Science Technician
• Fire Protection Plumber
• Flight Attendant
• Furniture Maker
• Graphic Pre-press Trades Worker
• Irrigation Designer
• Irrigation Technician
• Light Technician
• Mine Deputy
• Nursing Support Worker
• Out of School Hours Care Worker
• Pharmacy Technician
• Shipwright
• Sound Technician.

Occupations removed from the list include: Blacksmith, Gardener (General), Metal Polisher, Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer, Sports Turf Trades Worker, Optical Dispenser/Dispensing Optician, Youth Worker, Dental Assistant, Shearer and Wool Classer.

The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (AAIS) will use the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List to provide additional financial support to apprentices, trainees and their employers to boost apprentice numbers and support completions in priority occupations.

An eligible full-time apprentice may receive up to $10,000 over the duration of their apprenticeship to help with cost-of-living pressures, while an employer may receive support of up to $15,000 over the duration of the apprenticeship.

Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said: “I want to ensure we are giving every Australian the best opportunity to gain the necessary skills to secure a stable, well-paid and rewarding job, while also developing the skilled workforce our economy needs in priority areas now and into the future.

“The occupations on the list are based on hard evidence drawn from public and private data, that has been analysed by Jobs and Skills Australia.”

More information can be found via the full Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.

For those seeking qualifications and short courses, an additional 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places are being made available from 2024 to 2026 for Australians choosing to study in priority skills need areas.

How the Victorian Chamber can help

The Victorian Chamber’s Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) is contracted by the Australian Government to provide free personalised advice and support services from pre-commencement to completion for job seekers, employers, apprentices and trainees.

Our Industry Training Consultants will provide quality support services to help recruit, sign up, train, and retain apprentices and trainees and provide advice on financial supports, incentives and government or industry updates.

If you are an employer hiring an apprentice or trainee, contact our ASA team with any enquiries.