Costs to train your apprentice or trainee

The award or agreement that applies to your business will outline your obligations to pay for your apprentice's or trainee's training. If you are unsure, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.

How much training costs

You will need to talk to your registered training organisation (RTO) about the costs of the training. RTOs set tuition prices, so prices vary and it pays to shop around.

Training costs may include the following:

  • course fees
  • student fees
  • safety or testing equipment
  • textbooks
  • tutoring
  • travel
  • assessment
  • printing (manuals, industry standards).

Funded apprenticeship training

Some pre-approved RTOs, or 'Skills Assure Suppliers', are funded by us to provide training for all apprenticeships, and some traineeships, at a reduced cost.

All eligible apprentices (full-time, part-time and school-based), and all school-based trainees, are eligible to receive subsidised training from these pre-approved RTOs.

You can choose to pay full tuition fees through an unfunded RTO or reduced fees through an pre-approved RTO.

Funded traineeship training

Trainees studying a Certificate II or III traineeship are eligible to receive funded training from these pre-approved RTOs if they are doing a traineeship identified in the Priority Skills List. This is a list (updated annually) of all the subsidised courses in high priority areas.

Priority Skills List

Search for qualifications and skill sets that attract a government subsidy under the VET investment budget.

Funded training for priority population groups

Funded training is also provided for apprentices and trainees who belong to priority groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from non-English speaking background, people with disability, impairment or long-term conditions.

Priority population groups

Find out about the government funding contribution for individuals declared in these groups.

Other incentives and subsidies