The Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) is a government initiative that provides financial assistance to employers who hire apprentices with a disability. This support helps ensure apprentices receive the training, workplace adjustments and mentoring they need to succeed in their apprenticeship while supporting employers in developing a skilled and inclusive workforce.

DAAWS also includes funding for tutorial, mentoring or interpreter support tailored to the apprentice’s individual needs.

Eligible employers may receive:

• Up to $216.07 per week for eligible apprentices (pro-rated for part-time apprentices) paid in arrears for up to 12 months in the case of long-term or permanent disability, or for a specific period for temporary disability.

Tutorial, mentoring or interpreter assistance to support the apprentice’s training needs.
Payments will not exceed wages paid for the corresponding claim period.

To be eligible for DAAWS, all of the following criteria must be met:

• The apprentice must have a diagnosed disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, confirmed by a registered medical practitioner or psychologist who is qualified to make a diagnosis of disability. This cannot be a school counsellor. The assessment of the apprentice's needs must be genuine and not based on third party advice, or as part of a bulk assessment. Where the apprentice is under 18, they must be accompanied by their parent or guardian.
• The apprentice must be undertaking a Certificate II or higher-level qualification.

The employer must:

• Be paying the apprentice a suitable wage of at least $216.07 per week (pro-rated for part-time apprentices).
• Not be receiving any other Australian Government wage subsidy or equivalent for the same apprentice.
• Not be in receipt of the Priority Hiring Incentive (PHI) for the same apprentice.
• The apprentice must be in-training with their employer at the claim period end date.
• Additional requirements may apply for existing worker Australian apprentices.

Employers must apply for DAAWS once eligibility is confirmed. Claims cannot be backdated to the date of commencement. Apprentices and employers should work together to ensure all eligibility requirements are met and documented.

At SYC, we can help you determine if your apprentice and business meet the requirements for DAAWS and guide you through the application process. For more information, get in contact with us or read the DAAWS fact sheet.

The Priority Hiring Incentive supports employers who hire Australian Apprentices in occupations where there is a national skills shortage. It provides financial assistance to help attract and retain apprentices in priority industries, boosting commencements and retention in skilled trades.

Eligible employers may receive

• up to $5,000 in the first year of an apprenticeship, paid in two instalments:
• Full‑time: $2,000 after 6 months and $3,000 after 12 months
• Part‑time: $1,000 after 6 months and $1,500 after 12 months

The employer’s apprentice must:

• Have commenced or recommenced their Australian Apprenticeship on or after 1 July 2024; or
• Have recommenced their Australian Apprenticeship with their original employer on or after 1 July 2024, where the period of cancellation or suspension was greater than six months;
• Be undertaking a qualification at Certificate III, IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level that is aligned to an occupation on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List; and
• Be in training with their employer on the claim period due date.
• Employers cannot receive the Priority Hiring Incentive if they are already receiving the Priority Wage Subsidy or Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support for the same apprentice.

Our team at SYC can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the application process so your business can take full advantage of this incentive. Simply get in contact with us and we will provide advice and guide you through the whole process.. For further information, visit apprenticeships.gov.au