Apprenticeships and traineeships
Build the skills your business needs with an employee who learns on the job.
APM Apprenticeships makes it easier to hire, train and support an apprentice or trainee in Victoria.
Apprenticeships can help grow your business
Hiring an apprentice or trainee is a practical investment in your workforce.
You can develop skills that match your business, welcome a motivated employee and support the future of your industry and local community.
Apprenticeships generally run for three to four years, while traineeships are generally completed in one to two years.
APM Apprenticeships supports Victorian employers from recruitment and sign-up through to successful completion.
Our services are provided at no cost to apprentices, trainees and employers.
Find the right support for your business
Tell us about your workforce needs and the type of apprentice or trainee you want to hire.
Our team can help you understand suitable apprenticeship pathways, connect with prospective apprentices and navigate the next steps.
Why hire an apprentice or trainee?
Build a motivated workforce
Apprentices and trainees can learn, contribute and develop their skills from the beginning of their employment.
Develop skills for your business
Combine practical workplace experience with formal training tailored to the relevant role and qualification.
Improve staff retention
Investing in training can support employee loyalty, morale and longer-term workforce planning.
Access government incentives
Financial support may be available when you hire an eligible apprentice in a priority qualification or occupation.
Support your community
Create opportunities for local people and contribute to the next generation of skilled workers in your industry.
Support throughout the apprenticeship
APM Apprenticeships supports you and your apprentice at each stage.
Before the apprenticeship
We can provide career advice and help match prospective apprentices with your business.
Getting started
An APM Apprenticeships consultant will discuss the apprenticeship with you and your employee, then arrange a meeting to sign the National Training Contract.
On-the-job training begins when the employee starts work. Off-the-job training begins after you, your apprentice and the chosen Registered Training Organisation have signed the Training Plan.
During the apprenticeship
We contact you and your apprentice at regular times, or when support is needed, to review progress and offer assistance.
Support can include:
- Advice about retaining your apprentice
- Progress monitoring
- Mentoring for your apprentice
- Help resolving workplace issues
- Industry information
- Guidance on eligible funding and incentives
Completing the apprenticeship
You and the Registered Training Organisation assess the apprentice’s competency against the Training Plan.
Once all required competencies and any additional workplace requirements have been completed, the apprentice can complete the apprenticeship and gain the qualification.
Apprentice training
Your chosen Registered Training Organisation arranges enrolment and works with you and your apprentice to develop a Training Plan.
The plan explains how training will be delivered and must be signed by:
- The employer
- The apprentice
- A representative of the Registered Training Organisation
Training may take place at your workplace or at the training provider’s facilities.
Costs can vary by apprenticeship and training arrangement, so discuss possible fees with the training provider and your apprentice.
The relevant award may also set out obligations relating to fees.
Your apprentice will need a Unique Student Identifier to track training records online.
Your responsibilities as an employer
When you sign the National Training Contract, you agree to provide a safe workplace and support your apprentice’s structured training.
Provide a safe workplace
You must:
- Follow relevant Australian and Victorian laws
- Provide a workplace free from bullying, discrimination and abuse
- Meet occupational health and safety requirements
- Give your apprentice an appropriate workplace induction
Support training and development
You must:
- Provide opportunities for the apprentice to build knowledge and skills
- Work with APM Apprenticeships to lodge the National Training Contract
- Select a Registered Training Organisation
- Enrol the apprentice in training within the required timeframe
- Help develop the Training Plan
- Provide suitable facilities, supervision and workplace expertise
- Maintain the apprentice’s training record
- Notify the relevant authority when training is completed
Explain workplace rights
You must advise your apprentice about wages, conditions and workplace responsibilities.
You must also make sure the apprentice can safely raise issues with your business or training provider.
Apprentices under 18 are minors, and a parent or guardian must sign the National Training Contract.
Financial support for employers
Your business may be eligible for Australian Government assistance when hiring, training or retaining an apprentice.
Eligibility depends on the occupation, qualification, apprentice and program requirements.
Key Apprenticeship Program
The Key Apprenticeship Program covers eligible:
- New energy apprenticeships
- Housing construction apprenticeships
The apprenticeship must be linked to a qualification on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, meet the eligible occupation requirements and provide meaningful work in clean energy or housing construction.
Eligible employers may receive up to $5,000 in the first year:
Full-time
- $2,000 at six months
- $3,000 at 12 months
Part-time
- $1,000 at six months
- $1,500 at 12 months
Priority Hiring Incentive
This incentive is available to eligible employers of new or recommencing apprentices undertaking a Certificate III or higher qualification on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.
Full-time
- $1,000 at six months
- $1,500 at 12 months
Part-time
- $500 at six months
- $750 at 12 months
Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support
Financial assistance is available to eligible employers who hire an apprentice with disability undertaking a Certificate II or higher qualification.
The current published payment is $226.01 a week, indexed annually in line with CPI and paid in arrears for apprentices who meet the disability eligibility criteria.
Group Training Organisation Reimbursement Program
The Group Training Organisation Reimbursement Program closed to new entrants on 30 April 2026.
Contact APM Apprenticeships to understand the current support available and whether your business meets the eligibility requirements.
Financial support for your apprentice
Your apprentice may also qualify for Australian Government payments, allowances or loans that help with training and living costs.
Support may include:
Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans
Flexible loans for eligible apprentices in priority areas. Repayments begin through the tax system after the apprentice’s income reaches the applicable threshold.
Living Away from Home Allowance
A weekly, tax-free payment may be available when an apprentice must move away from home to begin or continue training. The payment reduces as the apprenticeship progresses.
Other government payments
Depending on their circumstances, apprentices may be eligible for:
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy
- ABSTUDY
An APM Apprenticeships consultant can help your apprentice understand the support that may be available.
Specialist support for your business
APM Apprenticeships provides general apprenticeship services and specialist support for employers and apprentices in Victoria.
Women in trades
Tailored support is available to businesses employing women in male-dominated trade occupations.
Clean energy apprenticeships
Specialist support is available for employers and apprentices in eligible clean energy occupations.
First Nations apprenticeships
APM Apprenticeships provides specialist support for First Nations apprentices and their employers.
Why partner with APM Apprenticeships?
Help finding apprentices
Connect with prospective apprentices who may suit your business and workforce needs.
Guidance through the system
Understand National Training Contracts, Training Plans, Registered Training Organisations and apprenticeship requirements.
Paperwork and compliance support
Get help with sign-up documents, compliance information and funding applications.
Ongoing support
Access support for you and your apprentice throughout the apprenticeship.
Mentoring when it is needed
Your apprentice can request additional mentoring if challenges place the apprenticeship at risk.
Industry and training connections
Access connections to training providers and relevant industry information.
Useful employer resources
Apprenticeship & Employment Resources
APM Support & Contact
Ready to grow your team?
Build practical skills in your business and support the next generation of skilled workers.
APM Apprenticeships can help you find, sign up and support an apprentice or trainee through to completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your feedback
At APM we welcome your comments and questions about your support.
You can share your compliments, complaints, and feedback about APM Apprenticeships and all our employment services programs via our Contact us page.
Serendipity WA Pty Ltd trading as APM Employment Services is a Provider contracted by the Australian Government as represented by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to provide Australian Apprenticeship Support Services to prospective and current Australian Apprentices, and Employers of Australian Apprentices. APM Employment Services is one of a number of Apprentice Connect Australia Providers in Victoria. This website does not represent the Australian Government.