Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre understands that taking on an apprenticeship or traineeship can bring financial challenges, especially when balancing apprenticeship wages with the rising cost of living. However, remember that you are earning while gaining a lifelong qualification that will set you up for future success.
We commend you for your dedication and perseverance and want to support you as much as possible. That’s why we’ve designed this guide not only to outline financial support and budgeting tips but also to highlight other ways to save money during your apprenticeship.
Inside, you’ll find information on government concession cards, discount travel options, and other cost-of-living relief measures that may be available to you. Even the little savings can add up, helping you manage expenses until you’re fully qualified and earning a great wage.
We hope this guide makes things a little easier and helps you make the most of your earnings while you work toward your future career.
General Money-Saving Hacks
Use Discounted Gift Cards – Check RAA, RACQ, NRMA, RACV for savings on fuel, groceries & travel.
Download Savings Apps – FuelCheck, PetrolSpy, HalfPrice, and Too Good To Go help cut costs.
Find Cheap Second-Hand Tools & Gear – Use Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or Cash Converters.
Look for Apprentice Discounts – Some hardware stores, tool suppliers, and trade unions offer exclusive discounts.
Use a Budgeting App – Try Pocketbook, MoneySmart Budget Planner, or Goodbudget.
Government Support & Financial Assistance (Australia-Wide)
Australian Apprenticeships Support
Check your eligibility for Trade Support Loans, Living Away from Home Allowance, and more.
Energy & Cost of Living Concessions
Discounts on bills, transport & healthcare.
Please see the State and Territory-Specific Support links below.
ATO Tax Deductions for Apprentices
Claim work-related expenses like tools, uniforms, and courses.
Skills & Training Incentives
Check for free/low-cost courses and upskilling opportunities.
State & Territory-Specific Support
South Australia
Apprentice & Trainee Support Grants – Financial assistance for training and living costs.
SA Government Cost of Living Concessions – Help with energy, water & household bills.
SA Transport Concessions – Discounted metroCARD for public transport.
General Concessions – A range of links to explore concessions that may apply to you.
Victoria
Apprenticeship Support & Incentives – Includes travel & accommodation allowances.
VIC Cost of Living Rebates – Energy bill assistance & rental relief.
General Concessions – A range of links to explore concessions that may apply to you.
Public Transport Discounts – Discounted myki card for apprentices.
Car Registration Discount – If eligible up to 100% discount on rego for apprentices.
New South Wales
Apprentice Training & Fee-Free TAFE – Government-funded courses & support.
NSW Energy Rebates & Cost of Living Support – Discounts on power, water & toll relief.
NSW Transport Concessions – Discounted Opal card for apprentices & trainees.
General Concessions – A range of links to explore concessions that may apply to you.
Car Registration Discount – If you’re a first or second year apprentice registered with the NSW Department of Education, you can apply for a registration rebate to help you with the costs of registering your vehicle.
Queensland
Fee-Free TAFE & Travel Allowances – Covers training costs & living expenses.
General Concessions – A range of links to explore concessions that may apply to you.
General financial support for Qld Apprentices
QLD Electricity & Cost of Living Rebates – Assistance with energy, rent & healthcare.
QLD Public Transport Discounts – Half-price Go Cards for apprentices.
Western Australia
WA Apprenticeship Support – Financial help, travel subsidies & training incentives.
WA Energy & Water Rebates – Support for cost-of-living expenses.
WA Transport Discounts – Apprentice SmartRider for cheaper public transport.
Financial support for apprentices and trainees – This fact sheet can be downloaded for more specific discounts information.
Tasmania
Apprenticeship & Training Support – Travel allowances & wage subsidies.
TAS Cost of Living Assistance – Help with utilities, rent & healthcare.
Metro Tasmania Transport Concessions – Cheaper bus fares for apprentices.