Never a better time to hire apprentices

Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis MP is very pleased to advise the Federal Government's $1.2 Billion "Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements" program has been extended meaning the 50% wage subsidy for businesses who take on a new apprentice or trainee is to remain in place for longer than the intended cut off. 

"At a January forum I hosted in Kadina businesses relayed to me their concerns about the subsidy assistance not being fully available for 12 months if they decide to sign up now as the incentives had an expiry date of June," Mr Ellis said. 

"Having provided this feedback to the Federal Government, I am pleased the decision has been made to extend the full 12 months of assistance to all businesses which sign up between now and 30 September 2021. 

"This outcome has been very well received by local businesses."

The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy supports businesses and Group Training Organisations to take on new apprentices and trainees, to build a pipeline of skilled workers to support sustained economic recovery.

Through the subsidy, any business or Group Training Organisation that engages an Australian Apprentice between 5 October 2020 and the now amended date of 30 September 2021 may be eligible for a subsidy of 50 per cent of wages paid to a new or recommencing apprentice or trainee for a 12-month period from the date of commencement, to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter. There is no cap on the number of eligible trainees/ apprentices.

This assistance will support new apprentices and trainees across Australia, and is in addition to the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy which has helped small and medium businesses to keep their apprentices and trainees in work and training.

For more information read the Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements fact sheet.

For further information on how to apply for the subsidy, including information on eligibility, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.

Additional information regarding the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy – including maximum payment amounts – is provided in the Questions and Answers factsheet.

Final detailed eligibility requirements will be outlined in the program guidelines.