Introduction
Apprentices or new entrant trainees who have to travel more than 110km (return) to attend day or block release training, may be able to apply for financial assistance from the Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS).
If you're eligible, VTAS will provide:
- a per km travel rate $0.52 from your usual place of residence to the training location
- an accommodation rate $70 per night if your training extends over several consecutive days (block release).
When to claim
You must submit your claims no later than 30 June following the year of travel.
Note: Claims for expenses prior to the previous year will not be eligible for the allowance.
Eligibility
To apply for the VTAS travel and accommodation allowance you must:
- be registered in NSW as an apprentice or new entrant trainee under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001
- be working in NSW
- have to travel more than 110km (return) to attend day or block release training with their registered training organisation.
The costs you pay for travel and accommodation must be:
- related to class-room based, formal training
- with a registered training provider as required under the terms of the apprenticeship or traineeship.
People undertaking post trade courses and existing worker trainees are not eligible.
What you need
- The application form 'Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS) Application for Allowance – PDF'
- Details including:
- the start date of your training contract
- records of the kilometres travelled from your usual place of residence to the training location
- receipts for your overnight accommodation during your course attendance (if applicable).
- Your bank account details for payment.
You will also need to complete a Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS) Signed Statement – PDF each year if you want to claim the:
- travel allowance and live within the Sydney Trains network
Note: you need to explain on the VTAS Signed Statement form why you cannot travel by public transport using the Transport Concession Entitlement Card. - accommodation allowance for the night before training commences or the night of the final day of training.
How to apply
- Check you're eligible before you apply. For full details on eligibility, exceptions and special circumstances:
- visit Travel, accommodation and relocation assistance packages for apprentices, or
- download and read the Vocational Training Assistance Scheme Guidelines.
- Prepare your application form:
- download and complete Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS) Application for Allowance – PDF
- ask your registered training organisation (RTO) to sign and endorse your application.
- Prepare a signed statement, if applicable:
- download and complete Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS) Signed Statement – PDF and
- ask your employer to sign the statement.
- Take your supporting documents (signed forms, contract and travel details, bank account details) to your local Training Services office.
Related information
For more savings visit Apprentices and trainees – concessions and assistance