Wage subsidies
If you hire an eligible candidate with APM, your business may be able to access a wage subsidy of up to $10,000 to help with the initial costs of employment.
Could your business be eligible?
A wage subsidy may be available when you hire an eligible candidate into a new ongoing position.
Our team can help you understand what's available, check eligibility and guide you through the application process.
Every situation is different, so speaking with an APM consultant is the best way to understand which supports may apply to your business and your new employee.
What are wage subsidies?
Wage subsidies are Australian Government incentives designed to encourage employers to hire eligible job seekers.
They help businesses with some of the early costs of employing a new team member and support successful long-term employment outcomes.
The amount available depends on the employment program and the circumstances of the person being hired.
Some eligible employers may receive payments of up to $10,000.
How APM can help
Our recruitment specialists can:
- Explain available wage subsidies
- Assess employer eligibility
- Identify eligible candidates
- Help complete required paperwork
- Provide support after hiring
- Connect you with other available funding and supports
We can also help with workplace modifications, onboarding support and inclusive hiring advice.
Wage subsidies at a glance
What are they?
Government-funded incentives that may help reduce the cost of hiring an eligible employee.
Who can access them?
Eligible businesses that hire eligible candidates through participating employment programs.
How much is available?
Some wage subsidies may provide up to $10,000, depending on the program and participant eligibility.
Which jobs qualify?
New ongoing positions, including full-time, part-time, casual, traineeship and apprenticeship roles.
Other support
Additional support may be available for workplace modifications, tools, equipment and training.
Ongoing support
APM can continue supporting you and your employee after they start work.
Employer eligibility and program details
Who can access a wage subsidy?
To be eligible, your business generally must:
- Have a current Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Be hiring an eligible candidate through an approved employment program
- Create a new ongoing role
- Meet workplace and employment law requirements
- Have the required business registrations and approvals in place
Additional eligibility requirements may apply depending on the program and candidate.
What roles may qualify?
Wage subsidies may be available for:
- Full-time positions
- Part-time positions
- Casual positions
- Apprenticeships
- Traineeships
The position generally needs to be a new ongoing role.
When won't a wage subsidy apply?
In most cases, wage subsidies are not available when:
- The position is already receiving government funding
- The role is commission based
- The role is self-employment or subcontracting
- The person is an immediate family member
- The person has worked for the employer within the last two years
Other conditions may apply.
More than financial support
When you recruit through APM, you may also receive:
- Candidate matching
- Onboarding support
- Workplace modification advice
- Post-placement support
- Inclusive hiring guidance
Our goal is to help both the employer and employee succeed.
How wage subsidies work
1. Tell us about your vacancy
Speak with APM about your recruitment needs.
2. We check eligibility
Our team will assess whether your business and the candidate may qualify for a wage subsidy.
3. Hire your employee
Once you've chosen the right candidate, we'll help guide you through the next steps.
4. Access support
If approved, the wage subsidy is managed through the relevant employment program, and ongoing support may continue after hiring.
Why choose APM?
Recruitment expertise
Access a national team with experience supporting employers across Australia.
Access to multiple programs
We deliver and support a range of employment programs that may provide access to wage subsidies and employer incentives.
Inclusive hiring support
Build a more diverse workforce while accessing specialist support and advice.
Ongoing support
Our support continues beyond recruitment to help employees settle into their role.
Related support
Find candidates
Access job-ready candidates and recruitment support tailored to your business.
Hiring people with disability
Reach a wider talent pool and create a more inclusive workplace.
Workplace modifications
Funding and workplace adjustments may be available to support employee success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in wage subsidies?
Talk to our team about your recruitment needs.
We can help you find suitable candidates and determine whether your business may be eligible for wage subsidies and other employer supports.