Early childhood education and care services who take on trainees may be eligible for the Australian Government wage subsidy, Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements.
Eligible employers can receive a subsidy of 50% of a trainee's gross wages. The subsidy will pay up to $7,000 per quarter for wages paid in the 12-month period from commencement.
You may be eligible if you engage a new trainee before 31 March 2022 who:
- is undertaking a Certificate II or higher qualification, including Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and Certificate IV in School Aged Education and Care, and
- has a training contract formally approved by the state training authority.
Exclusions and existing worker eligibility apply.
For more information: Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements
Foundation Training deadline: existing educators must complete by 27 August 2026 to ensure compliance, child safety, and service quality.
An early learning service in Sydney’s east, once facing closure, has been granted 12 months rent‑free operation—a decision that has transformed uncertainty into hope for