Australian apprentices and trainees – $1.2 billion wage subsidy program announced
The Australian federal government announced it will help Australian businesses hire 100,000 new apprentices and trainees, and will spend an additional $1.2 billion on wage subsidies in this area.
- $1.2 billion on wage subsidies
- 50% wage subsidy
- Available to businesses of all sizes
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Small and Family Business Minister Michaelia Cash announced the new budget measure, days before the government will hand down the budget.
Under the new wage subsidy program, businesses hiring a new Australian apprentice or trainee will qualify for a 50% wage subsidy.
The ‘Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements’ subsidies are effective from October 5 2020, and will be available to businesses of all sizes, in all industries and locations, until a cap of 100,000 is reached.
Employers will be able to receive subsidies for 50% of the wages of a new or recommencing apprentice or trainee to the value of $7,000 a quarter, for the period until September 30, 2021.
The program builds on a similar wage subsidy scheme, first announced in March and then extended in July, that supported employers who already had apprentices or trainees working for them.
“The Australian government has already invested significantly to ensure that apprentices are retained where possible and supported to re-engage if they lose their job,” Cash said in a statement.
Identifying the skills Australian needs
During this pandemic, the federal government was focused on supporting and creating jobs, as well as identifying the skills needed in the economic rebuild post-covid. The government wants to continue to recover what has been lost and get young people into long-term work; because there’s been 760,000 jobs that were either lost or reduced to zero hours because of COVID.
Employer groups welcome $1.2 billion funding boost
Business groups welcomed the new 1.2 billion subsidy Boosting Apprenticeship program, with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) saying it was pleasing to see the program will be available to businesses of all sizes.
Businesses can take on more apprentices
It comes at the right time, when restrictions are being eased, and will encourage businesses looking to take on more people to take on apprentices.
The new apprentices program will tip the balance in favour for many employers to make the commitment to developing the skills for the future, given apprenticeships require long-term investments.
More information about the Australian apprenticeship subsidies is available on employment.gov.au website.
JobTrainer skills package announced July 2020
Free, or low cost, skills training for Australians
- 340,700 additional training places
- $1 billion JobTrainer fund.
- $500 million from the Australian Government
- $1.5 billion to support apprenticeship training
Apprentices jobs online
There’s a good resource for Australian Apprenticeships on SEEK.com.au. There are 1000’s of apprenticeships available, across many different sectors and in all areas of Australia.
Choose from apprenticeships in Air Conditioning, T/A, Boilermaker / Welder, Diesel & Heavy Earthmoving Equipment Fitter, Electrician, Diesel Fitter, Locksmithing, Heavy Diesel Mechanic, Auto Electrician Auto electrician-Diesel Fitter, Hydraulic Fitter Automotive, Electrical, Electrical Instrumentation, Electrotechnology, Engineering Mechanical (Fitting & Turning,) ID2303 Fabrication , Field Instrumentation Technician , Fitter & Machinist , Fixed Plant Mechanic (FIFO), HD Fitter Apprentice, HD Mechanic , Heavy Vehicle Fitter, Machinist, Mechanical, Mechanical Fitter, Trade Assistant and Trainee Drillers/Offsider. There’s literally an apprenticeship covering every aspect of work; each with their own set of skills and training. If you’re looking for an apprenticeship, there’s a lot to choose from.
In partnership with the states and territories, more Australians will have access to free, or low cost, training places in areas of identified skills needs through the establishment of a new $1 billion JobTrainer fund.
This will include $500 million from the Australian Government this year, with a matched contribution being sought from state and territory governments.
The JobTrainer fund will provide for around 340,700 additional training places to help school leavers and job seekers gain the skills they need to get a job.
A further $1.5 billion will be made available to expand and extend the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy.
Eligibility for the subsidy will be expanded to include medium-sized businesses with fewer than 200 employees who had an apprentice in place on 1 July 2020.
The wage subsidy will also be extended to 31 March 2021.
If you’re searching ways on how to get a foot in the door, getting an Australian mining apprenticeship could be just what you’re looking for.
- The mining industry – get to know the basics first
- Find out which apprenticeship will suit you best
- How to make a start – decide on what you’re good at
- What’s required in terms of experience, age etc
- Will you get paid?
- What you will end up with?
- What next (once you’re qualified)?
- Where can you find good jobs?
- Recommended websites to start your apprenticeship search
Looking for a way into the mining sector? See if you have the skills.
Apprenticeships will give you the essential industry-specific skills to help you do the job correctly. Although, your life skills and general experience goes a long way; and will often be seen as a big positive when applying for an apprenticeship – no matter what your age. Tell us about your skills and see if you can find the right job that suits your areas of interest, skills and experience.
