Tens of thousands of new job opportunities will be created for apprentices and trainees nation-wide with the expansion of the targeted wage subsidy program as part of the Federal Government’s National Economic Recovery Plan.
The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy program 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.
The Program has helped to create 100,000 apprenticeships in less than five months. It will now become demand-driven and expanded for a full 12 months for new apprentices and trainees signed up prior to 30 September 2021.
It is estimated that this expansion will generate around 70,000 new apprentice and trainee places, with the Government investing around $1.2 billion.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the National Accounts shows the comeback of the Australian economy is underway, however many businesses still need support and it’s important apprentices and trainees get opportunities to boost their skills and stay employed.”
“With 100,000 new apprenticeship positions already snapped up, it highlights the confidence businesses have in the future of the Australian economy,” Mr Morrison said.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Michaelia Cash, said this will help more people into jobs.
“Growing our skills pipeline is an incredibly important part of helping our economic recovery,” Minister Cash said.
“The Boosting Apprentices Commencement program has to date assisted almost 40,000 businesses to take on a new Australian apprentice or trainee.”
The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements was one of the COVID-19 skills measures announced as part of the $4 billion in apprentice wage subsidies.
More information on the program can be found here.