Apprenticeship incentive to promote WA defence jobs
Western Australia’s defence industry workforce has received a boost with the introduction of a financial incentive to support employers to take on apprentices.
From 1 July 2025, approved WA defence industry employers may be eligible for the AUKUS Defence Industry Incentive, which provides financial assistance of up to $20,000 to employ an apprentice in one of the following key trade qualifications.
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade;
- Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade;
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician; and
- Certificate III in Engineering – Industrial Electrician.
The scheme provides funding for up to 435 new apprentices, bolstering the state’s defence industry workforce to support the delivery of AUKUS projects and commitments.
These apprenticeships are also subsidised as part of the State Government’s Lower fees, local skills initiative, which reduces course fees up to 72 per cent.
Fee-free and low-fee TAFE courses are keeping training affordable and accessible across a range of in-demand occupations.
