AUKUS Defence Industry Incentive WA

About this grant

This program provides financial assistance to WA defence sector businesses to help them employ apprentices in an approved trade.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Wa businesses in the defence sector.
• Incentive payments of up to $20,000 are available to wa businesses operating in the defence sector, who employ an apprentice in one of the 4 following approved trades:
• Mem31922 certificate iii in engineering – fabrication trade
• Mem30219 certificate iii in engineering – mechanical trade
• Uee30820 certificate iii in electrotechnology electrician
• Mem31219 certificate iii in engineering – industrial electrician.
• To be eligible, employers must:
• Have an active training contract registered with the department of training and workforce development's (dtwd's) apprenticeship office which commenced on or after 1 july 2025
• Employ an apprentice who lives and works in wa
• Have been designated by defence west as one of wa's approved defence employers and/or supply chain employers
• Employ an apprentice in an approved trade.
• Employerincentive@dtwd.wa.gov.au
• Funding for employers of people registered with a disability employment service provider
• Funding opportunities for research and innovation to benefit rural industries
• Funding for sa artists and organisations to undertake new initiatives to engage the community with arts and culture

What the funding covers

• Incentive payments of up to $20K.

How to apply

1. 1Confirm readiness: Ensure you meet criteria (e.g., ABN, turnover limits, GST registration), align project objectives with grant goals, and estimate time for evidence gathering and writing.
2. 2Gather evidence: Collect documents like financials, business plans, market research, project budgets, resumes, risk analysis, and support letters to prove capability and impact.
3. 3Register/log in: Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) if needed, sign into the relevant portal (e.g., Business Grants Hub portal), and note any prerequisites like advisory service reports.
4. 4Prepare and write application: Address all selection criteria clearly (project details, government alignment, costs, outcomes, benefits); keep concise, factual, and compelling; validate for completeness.
5. 5Review, approve, and submit: Proofread, get stakeholder sign-off, submit online via the portal before deadline (no late entries); expect eligibility check, merit assessment, and outcome notification.
6. 6Visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/aukus-defence-industry-incentive-wa for application details

Application tips