$663 Centrelink Payment for Young Female Tradies, How to Apply

I still remember my first day on the construction site. The heavy tool belt felt awkward around my waist, and I could feel curious eyes following me as I navigated through scaffolding and equipment. As a 22-year-old female apprentice electrician, I was definitely in the minority. Six years later, I’m a qualified tradie with my own small business, but the challenges I faced along the way—financial strain, gender bias, and the high cost of tools and equipment—are still fresh in my mind.

That’s why when a client mentioned Centrelink’s $663 cash boost specifically designed for young female tradies, I immediately started researching. What I discovered was a game-changing support program that could have made my apprenticeship years significantly easier. If you’re a young woman in the trades or considering entering a trade, this article will guide you through accessing this financial support that many eligible tradies don’t even know exists.

The reality is that women make up just 3% of Australia’s construction workforce, with even lower representation in specific trades like electrical, plumbing, and carpentry. The government’s $663 cash boost initiative aims to change this by removing some of the financial barriers that discourage women from pursuing trade careers. Let’s explore how you can access this support, who qualifies, and what you need to do to claim your entitlement.

Also Read: 2025 LDV T60: Cost, Safety Upgrades and HiLux Comparison

Understanding the Tools for Your Trade Payment

What Is the $663 Cash Boost?

The $663 cash boost, officially known as the “Tools for Your Trade Payment,” is part of Centrelink’s Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program. This payment was increased in the 2024-2025 federal budget as part of a broader initiative to encourage more women to enter traditionally male-dominated trades.

While the base payment is available to all eligible apprentices, the $663 figure represents the enhanced amount specifically allocated to female apprentices in priority trades. Male apprentices and those in non-priority trades receive a base amount of $450.

“The extra amount might not seem huge,” explains Sandra Meyers, a career counselor at Sydney TAFE, whom I spoke with during my research. “But when you’re earning apprentice wages and trying to accumulate thousands of dollars worth of tools, that additional $213 makes a genuine difference—especially in the early stages when you’re just getting established.”

The payment is tax-free and doesn’t count as income for other Centrelink payments, making it even more valuable for those who might be receiving additional support.

The History and Purpose of the Program

The Tools for Your Trade program has existed in various forms for years, but received significant enhancements following the 2023 Women in Trades Strategy commissioned by the federal government. The report identified that initial tool costs represented a significant barrier for women entering trades, with many apprentices spending between $2,000-$5,000 on essential equipment in their first year alone.

Jess Taylor, a third-year plumbing apprentice in Brisbane, shared her experience with me: “When I started, I had to buy so much stuff—from basic hand tools to safety gear that actually fit me properly. Most of the standard safety equipment is designed for men, so I had to spend extra on properly fitted boots, gloves and high-vis gear. That first year was really tight financially.”

The enhanced payment for women aims to offset these costs and address the fact that women entering trades often face additional expenses for properly fitted safety equipment and tools that work for different physical strengths. The government’s goal is to increase female participation in trades to at least 10% by 2030, and financial incentives like this are a key part of that strategy.

Eligibility Requirements: Do You Qualify?

Core Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the $663 Tools for Your Trade Payment, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Gender and age: You must identify as female and be under 25 years old when you commence your apprenticeship.
2. Apprenticeship status: You must be undertaking a full-time or part-time Australian Apprenticeship in a certificate III or IV qualification that leads to a priority trade occupation.
3. Australian residency: You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen with Special Category Visa status.
4. Employment arrangement: Your apprenticeship must be under a formal training contract that has been approved by your state or territory training authority.

When I called Centrelink to clarify some details for this article, the representative emphasized that the apprenticeship must be in a “priority trade” to qualify for the enhanced payment. Priority trades include but aren’t limited to:

• Electrical work
• Plumbing
• Carpentry
• Bricklaying
• Panel beating
• Mechanical trades
• Manufacturing trades
• Commercial cookery

“Many young women don’t realize that commercial cookery qualifies,” notes Alison Wright, who runs a pre-apprenticeship program for women in Melbourne. “There’s a misconception that the program is only for construction trades, but that’s not true. If you’re training as a chef under a formal apprenticeship, you may qualify for this payment too.”

Special Circumstances and Exceptions

While the program primarily targets apprentices under 25, there are some exceptions worth noting:

Mature-Age Women: Women over 25 may qualify for a modified version of the assistance if they’re entering a trade where female representation is below 3%, though the payment amount may differ.

Existing Apprentices: If you’re already in an apprenticeship that commenced after July 1, 2023, you may retrospectively qualify, even if you weren’t aware of the program when you started.

Disability Considerations: Women with disabilities undertaking apprenticeships may qualify for additional supplements on top of the $663 payment.

During my conversation with Maya Chauhan, who transitioned to carpentry at age 27 after working in retail, she shared: “I thought I wouldn’t qualify because of my age, but my apprenticeship support officer helped me apply based on the extreme under-representation of women in carpentry. I received a modified payment of $550, which helped me buy my first set of quality chisels and planes.”

The Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

When to Apply for the Payment

Timing is crucial when applying for the Tools for Your Trade Payment. The payment is typically available at specific milestones in your apprenticeship:

• First payment: Available after you’ve completed 3 months of your apprenticeship
• Second payment: Available after 12 months
• Third payment: Available after 24 months
• Final payment: Available upon successful completion of your apprenticeship

For the enhanced $663 payment specifically targeting young women, the first payment is now available as early as 6 weeks into the apprenticeship—a change made in 2024 to help with the initial tool purchases that often occur in the first two months.

“That earlier payment timeframe made a huge difference for me,” says Ellie Morrison, a first-year electrical apprentice in Adelaide. “I needed a decent set of screwdrivers, pliers, and voltage testers right away. Getting the payment at 6 weeks meant I could buy quality tools instead of cheap ones that wouldn’t last.”

The application window for each milestone payment is 6 months—meaning you must apply within 6 months of reaching each milestone, or you may forfeit that particular payment.

Step-by-Step Application Instructions

Following these steps will help ensure your application process goes smoothly:

Step 1: Create or access your myGov account All Centrelink services, including apprenticeship payments, are managed through myGov. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one and link it to Centrelink services.

Step 2: Gather your documentation Before starting your application, collect:

• Your Tax File Number
• Your bank account details
• Your apprenticeship training contract ID number
• Identification documents (driver’s license, Medicare card, or passport)
• Evidence of your apprenticeship status from your employer or training provider

Step 3: Lodge your claim online

1. Log into myGov and access the Centrelink services
2. Select “Payments and Claims” from the main menu
3. Choose “Make a claim or view claim status”
4. Under “Skills and Education,” select “Australian Apprentice”
5. Select “Tools for Your Trade Payment”
6. Follow the prompts to complete your application, indicating that you’re a female apprentice in a priority trade

Step 4: Submit supporting documents You may need to upload:

• A letter from your employer confirming your apprenticeship status
• A copy of your training plan
• Evidence of your qualification enrollment

Step 5: Track your claim After submission, you can track your claim status through your myGov account. Processing typically takes 7-14 business days.

When I applied for a similar payment years ago (before the enhanced amount for women was available), I found the online system a bit confusing. Based on my experience and conversations with current apprentices, I’d recommend setting aside at least 45 minutes for the application process and having all your documents digitized and ready to upload before you start.

“I found it helpful to call the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network first,” recommends Sarah Jacobs, a second-year carpenter. “They walked me through exactly what I needed before I started the application, which saved me from having my claim delayed because of missing information.”

Maximizing Your Cash Boost

Strategic Use of the Payment

While Centrelink doesn’t dictate how you must spend the $663, using it strategically can help advance your career. Based on interviews with female tradies who have received the payment, here are some smart ways to utilize these funds:

1. Invest in Quality Basic Tools Rather than buying a large number of cheap tools, focus on fewer, higher-quality essentials that will last throughout your apprenticeship and beyond.

Kimberly Watson, a fourth-year electrician apprentice, shared her approach: “I used my first payment to buy a really good set of insulated screwdrivers and pliers. Four years later, I’m still using the same tools daily. The cheap ones my male colleagues bought have been replaced multiple times.”

2. Purchase Properly Fitted Safety Equipment Women-specific safety gear often costs more but provides better protection and comfort.

“I used my payment for boots that actually fit my narrower feet and a tool belt designed for women,” says Rachel Thompson, a second-year plumber. “The difference in comfort meant I could work longer without fatigue, which made me more productive.”

3. Save for Specialized Tools Consider saving part of the payment for specialized tools you’ll need as you advance in your apprenticeship.

“I put my first payment aside and combined it with the second to buy a good cordless drill set,” explains Naomi Chen, a cabinet-making apprentice. “By waiting and combining payments, I could afford a much better quality kit that included multiple batteries and attachments.”

4. Invest in Digital Resources Modern trades increasingly rely on digital tools and references.

Lisa O’Connor, who completed her mechanical apprenticeship last year, notes: “I used part of my payment for a tablet with trade-specific apps and digital manuals. Having everything at my fingertips on-site made me more efficient and helped me learn faster.”

Combining with Other Support Programs

The $663 Tools for Your Trade Payment can be even more powerful when combined with other available support programs. Here are some complementary initiatives worth exploring:

Trade Support Loans: Offer up to $21,779 over the course of your apprenticeship, which can be used for tools, equipment, or living expenses. A 20% discount applies upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.

Living Away From Home Allowance: Provides up to $77.17 per week if you need to relocate for your apprenticeship.

Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy: Though this is paid to employers, knowing about this subsidy can help you negotiate with potential employers, as it reduces their costs in hiring female apprentices.

State-Specific Programs: Many states offer additional support specifically for women in trades. For example, Victoria’s Women in Trades program offers supplementary tool grants of up to $1,500.

Hannah Miller, who recently completed her painting and decorating apprenticeship in Perth, combined multiple programs effectively: “I received the Tools for Your Trade Payment, took advantage of a Trade Support Loan for my vehicle maintenance, and accessed a Western Australia regional support payment. Together, these made my apprenticeship financially viable despite the lower first-year wages.”

Challenges and Solutions for Female Tradies

Common Obstacles and How to Overcome Them

Financial support like the $663 cash boost addresses only one of the challenges female tradies face. Based on my own experience and conversations with other women in trades, here are some common obstacles and practical solutions:

Challenge: Limited Access to Mentors Women often lack access to female mentors who understand the unique challenges they face.

Solution: Organizations like Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen (SALT), Women in Trades Australia, and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) offer mentoring programs specifically for female tradies. Many provide online mentoring options if there are no female tradies in your area.

Amy Peterson, a licensed electrician who now mentors female apprentices, emphasizes the importance of this connection: “Having someone who’s walked in your boots and can give you both technical advice and strategies for navigating male-dominated workplaces is invaluable. I wish I’d had that when I was starting out.”

Challenge: Ill-Fitting Tools and Equipment Standard tools are often designed for larger, typically male hands and body proportions.

Solution: Companies like Tomboy Tools, Craftsted, and TradeMutt now offer tools and workwear designed for women. While sometimes more expensive initially, properly fitting tools reduce injury risk and improve efficiency.

Challenge: Workplace Culture and Bias Many women report feeling isolated or facing skepticism about their capabilities.

Solution: Joining industry networks and communities can provide crucial support. The Tradeswomen Australia Community Foundation hosts regular events, and many TAFEs now have women in trades student groups.

“Finding my tribe of other female tradies completely changed my experience,” says Olivia Chang, a third-year cabinet maker. “We have a WhatsApp group where we share advice, vent when needed, and celebrate wins. It’s helped me persist through challenging times.”

Future of the Program and Additional Resources

Program Outlook and Potential Changes

The enhanced $663 payment for female tradies is funded through June 2027, with the possibility of extension based on program outcomes. The government has indicated that if female participation targets are met earlier than expected, the payment amount could increase further or expand to cover additional expenses beyond tools.

A Department of Employment and Workplace Relations spokesperson I contacted for this article noted: “We’re constantly evaluating the effectiveness of the enhanced payment. Early data shows a 14% increase in female apprenticeship commencements in priority trades since the introduction of the higher payment amount, which is encouraging.”

The program is expected to undergo a formal review in late 2025, which may result in adjustments to payment amounts or eligibility criteria.

Resources and Support Networks

Beyond the financial assistance, numerous resources exist specifically for female tradies:

Websites and Information Hubs:

• Women in Trades Australia: womenintrades.com.au
• Australian Women in Construction: awic.org.au
• The Lady Tradies Directory: ladytradies.com.au

Support Organizations:

• Supporting And Linking Tradeswomen (SALT)
• Women in Construction Advisory Group
• Tradeswomen Australia Community Foundation

Social Media Communities:

• Facebook: Australian Women in Trades Network (15,000+ members)
• Instagram: @womenintrades_australia
• TikTok: #AusFemaleTradie (growing community with tool tips and worksite advice)

“The online communities have been especially helpful for rural and regional women who might be the only female tradie in their area,” notes Diane Roberts, coordinator of a pre-apprenticeship program in regional NSW. “Social media has created virtual support networks that simply didn’t exist ten years ago.”

Also Read: Centrelink’s $600 Payment Could Be Yours, Check Eligibility

FAQ: Centrelink’s $663 Cash Boost for Female Tradies

Quick Reference: Program Essentials

Common Questions

Q: Does the payment affect my apprentice wages?

A: No. The $663 is a supplementary payment that doesn’t affect the wages your employer is required to pay you under your apprenticeship agreement.

Q: I’m already six months into my apprenticeship. Can I still get the first payment?

A: Yes, if you started your apprenticeship after July 1, 2023, you can still apply for any milestone payments for which you’re eligible, as long as you apply within the 6-month window after reaching each milestone.

Q: Do I need to provide receipts showing I’ve purchased tools?

A: No. While the payment is intended for tools and equipment, Centrelink doesn’t require proof of purchases. The payment is made based on your eligibility as a female apprentice in a priority trade.

Q: I’m transgender/non-binary but was assigned female at birth. Am I eligible?

A: Yes. According to current guidelines, eligibility is based on how you identify in your official documentation with Centrelink. If your gender is recorded as female in your Centrelink records, you’re eligible.

Q: What if my apprenticeship is part-time due to parenting responsibilities?

A: Part-time Australian Apprenticeships in priority trades are eligible, though payment schedules may be adjusted proportionally based on your training hours.

Making the Most of Your Trade Career

As a female electrician who’s navigated the challenges of a male-dominated industry, I believe programs like the $663 cash boost represent more than just financial assistance—they’re an acknowledgment that structural barriers exist for women in trades and that addressing these barriers benefits not just women but the entire industry.

The skills shortage in Australia’s trades sector is well-documented, with an estimated gap of 70,000 skilled workers by 2027. Encouraging and supporting more women to enter and remain in trades isn’t just about equality—it’s an economic imperative.

When I spoke with Julie Harrison, who’s been a licensed plumber for over 20 years and now runs her own company employing five female apprentices, she reflected: “The financial support is important, especially in those early years. But equally important is the message it sends—that women belong in these industries and that their participation is valued enough to invest in.”

For young women considering a trade career or those already in apprenticeships, my advice is simple: Take advantage of every support program available to you, including this $663 cash boost. Connect with networks of other female tradies who understand your experience. And remember that your presence in the industry isn’t just about your individual career—you’re helping change perceptions and create pathways for the next generation of women in trades.

The $663 might seem like a modest amount in the scheme of a lifelong career, but it represents an important step toward a more diverse and inclusive trades sector. Whether you use it for that first set of quality tools, properly fitting safety gear, or specialized equipment, it’s an investment in your future and in the future of Australian trades.