$1000 Early Completion payment for eligible apprentices
The Queensland Government has committed $7.2 million over four years for the new $1000 bonus scheme for apprentices completing their training early.
This means that apprentices in an eligible skill shortage occupation will be paid a $1000 Early Completion Bonus if they complete their apprenticeship within a certain time period.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Early Completion Bonus apprentices must have completed their training contract in an identified skills shortage occupation on or after 1 January 2007 - at least six months early if they are a full-time apprentice or 12 months early if they are a part-time apprentice.
For the full list of eligible skill shortage occupations, view the Eligible Skill Shortage Occupations List [PDF 65kb].
Please Note: Apprentices must ensure their application form is received by the department on or before their nominal completion date. Applications received after the nominal completion date will not be eligible for payment. To find out the nominal completion date please refer to the registration letter or contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.
What to do when issues arise that may impact on eligibility?
During the course of the apprenticeship, there may be issues that could possibly affect eligibility for the bonus. These may include but are not limited to; the SRTO not providing the training as scheduled, the employer not releasing the apprentice for training as scheduled, or delays with the completion process etc.
There will be no exceptions regarding eligibility criteria, therefore it is very important any barriers to eligibility are raised with the parties (for example: SRTO, employer or apprentice) as soon as possible to enable parties time to work together to consider all alternatives and resolve the issues.
The department may also be able to assist and can be contacted for advice through Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210. However, a 'not eligible' status cannot be addressed retrospectively by the department.
When will the Early Completion Bonus be available?
Apprentices who have completed their apprenticeship on or after 1 January 2007 and meet the eligibility criteria will be contacted by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts.
Is the Early Completion Bonus considered to be taxable income?
No. Since the introduction of the early completion bonus, the Department of Education, Training and the Arts has been working with the Australian Taxation Office regarding a taxation exemption on the payment. The department has been successful in this regard. The taxation exemption applies to all payments made under the program since it commenced.
How to apply
Once the department has been notified that an apprentice's training contract has been completed, those apprentices who appear to meet the eligibility criteria will be mailed an Early Completion Bonus application form with their completion certificate.
If an apprentice has failed to receive an Early Completion Bonus application form with their completion certificate, please contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.
Apprentices will then need to return the completed application form to the department via one of the methods identified on the application form.
Further information
For more information about the Early Completion Bonus please refer to the Program Guidelines [PDF 74kb] or contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.
Contact Apprenticeships info 1800 210 210 or Training Queensland 1300 369 935
Other languages