Travel, Accommodation and Relocation Assistance
for apprentices and trainees in NSW
Includes:
- Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS) and
- Continuing Apprentices Placement Service (CAPS)
Attention! We've made some changes...
- New travel and accommodation (VTAS) application form now available.
- VTAS payments will no longer be made by cheque. Bank deposit only.
- Due to planned system changes, VTAS claims will NOT be processed and paid between 31st August and 7th September 2018. Get your claims in early to avoid delays!
On this page:
What assistance is available
Financial assistance is available to eligible apprentices and trainees in NSW to assist in meeting some of the costs associated with training.
Assistance is available to:
- Offset some of the costs incurred for travel and accommodation related to class room based, off-the-job training with a registered training provider as required under the terms of the apprenticeship or traineeship; and/or
- Meet some of the costs incurred by unemployed apprentices or trainees with removal and rental expenses, where there is a need to relocate in order to recommence the apprenticeship or traineeship with a new employer.
Who is eligible?
VTAS – Travel and Accommodation Allowance
- Apprentices or new entrant trainees who are required to travel more than 120 km round trip to attend day or block release training with their RTO.
CAPS – Relocation and Rental Expenses
- Unemployed apprentices or new entrant trainees that are required to relocate more than 60 km in order to continue their apprenticeship or traineeship with a new employer.
Who may not be eligible for travel assistance?
- Apprentices and trainees working interstate
- Apprentices and trainees approved to receive the Commonwealth's Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA)
- Apprentices and trainees whose journey from home to the off-the-job training location falls within the Sydney Trains network
Who is not eligible?
Existing worker trainees[?]
Things you should know
If you live and travel within the boundaries of Sydney Trains you may be eligible for the $0.33c per kilometre travel assistance if you do not use Government transport because it is unsuitable. You need to lodge an Applicant Signed Statement (pdf) or (zip) outlining the circumstance with your first claim.
How to apply?
VTAS – Travel and Accommodation Allowance
Claims for travel and accommodation assistance must be submitted by 30 June following the year of travel. To claim:
- Download the Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS) application form (pdf) or (zip).
- Complete the form, sign it, and also have your RTO sign it.
- If required, complete an Applicant Signed Statement (pdf) or (zip) and have your employer sign it.
- Lodge the application form together with the Signed Statement (if applicable) with your local Training Services NSW office.
CAPS – Relocation and Rental Expenses
Claims for relocation and rental assistance must be submitted within six months of the commencement date of the new training contract, or within six months of transfer date. To claim:
- Download and complete the Relocation Allowance Application Form (pdf), and then email to caps@industry.nsw.gov.au
Further information
Download further information on eligibility available from the Travel, Accommodation and Relocation Assistance guidelines [pdf] or email: sts.vtas@industry.nsw.gov.au
