Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System under review

The Australian government has launched a review into the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System. The strategic review will investigate the types of support available to apprentices, trainees and employers who are working in relevant industries under the scheme.

The incentive system is intended to provide support for those working in priority industries, which includes trades in the building services industry. It was first introduced in 2022 to ensure occupations that are in demand or will be in the future had adequate support. This review aims to improve apprenticeship completion rates.

Chief Executive at the NSW Utilities & Electrotechnology (U&E) ITAB, Tony Palladino, says the key issues they should focus on include supervision and mentoring to lift completion rates, employer selection and recruitment systems, and the quality of school education.

The review will:

• Examine the complementary role of services, support and high-quality training provisions 
• Address the need to build the necessary skills and talent in the workforce
• Support businesses to meet their current and emerging skills needs – including future pathways that emerge with the net zero transformation
• Consider the cost-of-living pressures and financial stresses that prevent apprentices from completing their training
• Ensure engagement with under-represented groups such as women, First Nations people, and people with disabilities to improve participation in apprenticeships in priority occupations facing skills shortages. 

According to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, “apprentices and trainees form a vital part of the solution to help address skill shortages Australian industries are facing”.

The Honourable Justice Iain Ross AO, former President of the Fair Work Commission and former Federal Court judge, and Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM, former Secretary of the Department of Education, will conduct the review.