Training Allowance - Frequently Asked Questions

General Information
1.	Question:	What is the Training Allowance?
1.	Answer:	The Training Allowance is a measure provided by the Government, offering a monthly allowance of HK$1,000 to each eligible registered apprentice from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027, for a maximum of 36 months.
2.	Question:	What is the purpose of the Training Allowance?
2.	Answer:	The Training Allowance, funded by the Government, aims to attract youth to join and continue their apprenticeship training. Eligible registered apprentices can receive this allowance during their apprenticeship training period.

Eligibility Criteria

Question:

Who is eligible to apply for the Training Allowance?

Answer:

Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

Newly registered apprentices who start training between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2027; or
Existing registered apprentices who are still employed as of 1 April 2024.

Apprentices who are participating in the "Earn & Learn Scheme" (ELS), "Ship Repair Training Incentive Scheme" (SRTIS), or receiving the "Youth Employment and Training Programme" (YETP) retention allowance can also apply but must declare their participation clearly on the application form.

Application Requirements
1.	Question:	What documents are required to apply for the Training Allowance?
1.	Answer:	Applicants must submit the following documents: Duly completed and signed Application Form Bank account information: A copy of the first page of the applicant’s personal passbook, bank statement, or ATM card showing clearly the name of account holder and account number. (The original of the passbook, bank statement, or ATM card must be provided to the Apprenticeship Officer in charge (ApO / SApO) for verification.) If the applicant is under 18 years old and does not have a personal bank account, his/her parent’s or guardian’s account details could be provided.
2.	Question:	How to submit the application form and required documents?
2.	Answer:	Applications can be submitted by mail or in-person to the Office of the Director of Apprenticeship (ODA). However, applicants must bring the original proof of bank account details to the Apprenticeship Officer for verification later. Therefore, submission of the application form and bank account proof via an Apprenticeship Officer is recommended.

Allowance Details
1.	Question:	What is the amount of the Training Allowance and how is it paid out?
1.	Answer:	Eligible registered apprentices can receive a monthly allowance of HK $1000, up to a maximum of 36 months, with a cap of HK $36,000. The actual amount will vary depending on the duration of the Contract of Apprenticeship. The allowance is paid out quarterly, usually two months after the quarterly cut-offs in March, June, September, and December (i.e., payment be made in February, May, August, and November).
2.	Question:	How is the allowance calculated if the apprentice starts or ends the apprenticeship training in an incomplete month?
2.	Answer:	If the apprentice joins or leaves the apprenticeship training in an incomplete month, the allowance will be prorated. For example, apprenticeship training commences on 16 September, up to the quarterly cut-off in September (30 September), the apprentice can receive an allowance of HK$500.
3.	Question:	Can an apprentice continue to receive the allowance if he/she changes employer?
3.	Answer:	Yes. If an apprentice changes employer and enters into a new apprenticeship contract of the same level during 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027, he/she can apply for the remaining allowance, subject to the approval of the ODA. Such application can be made only once during the above-mentioned period. If an apprentice has obtained the allowance for 17.5 months under an apprenticeship contract (A), and enters into another apprenticeship contract (B), he/she can apply for the remaining allowance and the aggregate allowance amount under two apprenticeship contracts should be capped at $36,000, i.e. allowance for 36 months at maximum.
4.	Question:	Can an apprentice continue to receive the allowance if he/she enters into a new contract at the same apprenticeship level with the same employer?
4.	Answer:	Yes. If an apprentice enters into a new apprenticeship contract at the same level with the same employer during 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027, he/she can apply for the remaining allowance, subject to the approval of the ODA. Such application can be made only once during the above-mentioned period. (Scenario resembles Q&A no. 3 in this Section.)
5.	Question:	Can an apprentice apply for the allowance again if he/she enters into a new apprenticeship contract at a higher level (i.e. technician apprenticeship contract) after completing his/her first craftsman apprenticeship contract between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2027?
5.	Answer:	Yes. After completing the first craftsman apprenticeship contract during the said period, an apprentice can apply for special approval to participate in this allowance scheme again for up to 36 months when entering into a new technician apprenticeship contract with the current or another employer.
6.	Question:	Can an apprentice apply for the allowance again if he/she enters into a new apprenticeship contract at a lower level (i.e. craftsman apprenticeship contract) after completing his/her first technician apprenticeship contract between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2027?
6.	Answer:	Yes. After completing the first technician apprenticeship contract during the said period, an apprentice can apply for special approval to participate in this allowance scheme again for up to 36 months when entering into a new craftsman apprenticeship contract in different trade with the current or another employer.
7.	Question:	Does the Training Allowance received need to be reported in the tax return?
7.	Answer:	Yes. Apprentices must report the allowance received in their tax returns.

Termination and Adjustment
1.	Question:	What happens to the allowance if the apprenticeship contract is terminated before the completion date?
1.	Answer:	If the apprenticeship contract is terminated before the completion date, the allowance payment will be ceased on the termination date. If an apprentice terminates the contract and enters into a new apprenticeship contract at the same level, he/she can apply for the remaining allowance balance subject to the ODA’s sole discretion. The apprentice may only make such an application ONCE. (For details, please refer to Q&A no. 3 in Section “Allowance Details”.) If an apprentice terminates the contract and enters into a new apprenticeship contract at a different level, he/she can re-apply for allowance subject to the ODA’s sole discretion. The apprentice may only make such an application ONCE. (For details, please refer to Q&A no. 5 and 6 in Section “Allowance Details”.)
2.	Question:	What are the consequences of providing false information or engaging in activities that endanger national security?
2.	Answer:	If an apprentice provides false information or engages in activities that endanger national security, the Government may revoke or disqualify his/her eligibility for the approved training allowance. The apprentice may need to repay the allowance received and may face legal action.
3.	Question:	Please specify scenario(s) resulting in the deduction of the allowance.
3.	Answer:	If an apprentice is absent from work for 30 consecutive days or more (including but not limited to sick leave, unpaid leave, work injury, suspension by the employer), his / her entitlement to the Training Allowance for the said period will be usurped.

Personal Information and Inquiries
1.	Question:	How is personal data used? What should applicants do if they need to modify their information?
1.	Answer:	Personal data collected during the application process is used for processing and verifying applications, funding and administrative, and statistics and research purposes. To inquire or request for amendments to personal data on the application form, applicants can contact the ODA in writing.
2.	Question:	Who should applicants contact for further inquiries?
2.	Answer:	Applicants can contact the ODA at: Phone: 3907 6743 Fax: 2497 2235 Email: oda@vtc.edu.hk Address: Room C-E, 22/F, Billion Plaza II, 10 Cheung Yue Street, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:45 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (excluding Public Holidays) Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday: Closed