First-year mechanical apprentice Amber Byrne from Cobar has welcomed a federal government wage subsidy for businesses that hire apprentices.

The 19-year-old, who is currently studying a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, is an apprentice at her father's Superior Diesel Solutions business where she started learning about vehicles and mechanical repairs from an early age.

Ms Byrne said she first became interested in doing an apprenticeship when she purchased her own vehicle and wanted to learn how to make it stand out, but had quickly fallen in love with the industry as a whole.

"I love that it's hands on and you're able to get in and give things a real go - every day you're learning something new which is great," Ms Byrne said.

"When I first started, I didn't know half the things I know now and there's always more things you can learn."

With plans to add heavy diesel qualifications to her repertoire later in her apprenticeship, Ms Byrne recently jumped at the chance to complete a Statement of Attainment in Loader and Excavator Operations through her Cobar TAFE campus.

"I knew that if I learnt to operate the equipment in a practical setting, it would help me be a better mechanic when working on those machines,” she said.

19-year-old mechanical apprentice Amber Byrne says she loves working in a hands-on industry where she can learn something new every day.

Although she acknowledges that the course and her industry is dominated by men, Ms Byrne isn't discouraged and says she knows she will still find plenty of work because of the constant high demand for mechanics.

“I would especially encourage other women to consider this as a possible career,” she said. 

"Down the line, I would love to travel around or outside Australia doing my trade - I would also love to own my own mining equipment as well. It's what my dad does and I've had a big insight into the industrial side of things by working for him."

Ms Byrne is one of thousands of Australian apprentices that may benefit from the government's newly announced Completing Apprenticeship Commencements (CAC) wage subsidy as she progresses through her apprenticeship.

The subsidy, worth $716 million, will provide eligible employers with up to 10 per cent of an Australian Apprentice’s gross wages in the second year of their apprenticeship or traineeship, and 5 per cent in their third year.

The CAC is expected to benefit approximately 270,000 apprentices and trainees who are registered for the Boosting Apprenticeships Commencement (BAC) wage subsidy, which began on 5 October last year.

CEO of national apprenticeship network provider MEGT Bridie Gildea also welcomed the newly announced subsidy.

Ms Gildea said it would help address the challenges that many businesses face as COVID-19 continues to impact many of them, while upskilling a new generation of Australian workers.

“We have already seen the positive effect that the BAC wage subsidy has had in terms of the onboarding of new apprentices and trainees since it began,” she said.

"CAC now provides concrete assurance that employers can support their apprentices and trainees to complete their qualifications and progress to the next exciting stage of their careers.

“This investment is a commitment to many industry sectors, which will continue to play an important role in Australia’s future economy.”

As for Ms Byrne, she said she didn't know much about either subsidy, since she was still quite new to the industry, but she thought it sounded like a great idea to give back to businesses that are willing to take on apprentices.

"I know it can have a bit of an impact on a business to take on an apprentice and it won't really be until I'm fully qualified that I'll be able to give back," she said.

"So I think anything to help out the businesses who help get someone like me started in the industry sounds great."