New $10,000 Incentive to Support Clean Energy and Construction Apprentices

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If you're thinking about starting a trade or you're already on the tools, there’s now more reason than ever to get involved.

In a major push to tackle trade skill shortages and support Australia's shift to clean energy and affordable housing, the Federal Government has introduced a new incentive for apprentices.

Announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in January 2025, the Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) officially launched on 1 July 2025. It provides up to $10,000 for eligible full-time apprentices and $5,000 for part-time apprentices working on clean energy or housing construction.

"Building Australia's future is about more than bricks and mortar -  it's about people and investment in skills, " said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

What is the Key Apprenticeship Program?
The Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) provides additional financial support to apprentices in high-demand occupations, particularly in the clean energy and construction sectors.

It provides you with financial support on top of your wages, helping cover the cost of living while you learn. But instead of one lump sum, the payment is split across five key milestones to keep you motivated and on track.

This Program Is Designed To:

• Encourage more people to start apprenticeships in clean energy fields
• Help apprentices stay on track and complete their training
• Offer extra financial support during your apprenticeship

Here's How It Works:
Full-time apprentices receive $2,000 at:

• 6 months
• 12 months
• 24 months
• 36 months
• Completion

Part-time apprentices receive $1,000 at each of the same milestones.

Am I Eligible?
To qualify for the program, you'll need to:

• Be doing an Australian Apprenticeship in a trade that's listed on the official Australian Apprenticeships Priority List
• Be working in clean energy (like Solar, Battery Systems, or EV Infrastructure) or housing construction
• Stay on track with your training and work milestones

There are two payment streams under the program:

• New Energy Apprentice Support Payment
• Housing Construction Apprentice Support Payment

Not sure if you're eligible? Your Apprentice Connect Australia provider can check for you and help you apply.

Already Started Your Apprenticeship?
If you started or restarted your apprenticeship before 1 July 2025, you will continue to receive support under the existing arrangements through a transition period.

Why This Matters To You
This is the biggest update to apprentice support in over 20 years. It's aimed at helping more people get upskilled and into the industries that are shaping Australia's future.

The government hopes the program will:

• Make it easier to start and finish an apprenticeship
• Support the growing demand for clean energy and construction tradies
• Help you stay afloat financially while you learn

 

Thinking About a Trade?
There's never been a better time to start an apprenticeship. With support available and growing demand across key industries, the Key Apprenticeship Program offers both financial relief and a pathway to a future-proof career.

For more information, visit the Australian Apprenticeships website or talk to your Apprentice Connect provider.