$1.3 Billion to support Apprentices and Trainees now available to Small Businesses

Wage subsidies for apprentices and trainees have already started to flow, giving employers and employees stability and financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The subsidy will initially cover 50 per cent of wages paid to apprentices between January to March this year and continue until 30 September 2020. 

Minister for Skills, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the Morrison Government’s $1.3 billion Supporting Apprentices and Trainees package will help businesses retain their existing apprentices and trainees through this difficult period.

“This is all about supporting those who continue to support our economy and our nation,” she said.

Wage subsidies will be available to small businesses, including those using a Group Training Organisation, to help retain existing apprentices and trainees. Employers of any size who re-engage an apprentice or trainee that has been displaced from a small business may also attract a wage subsidy.

Subsidies will cover wages paid from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020 and businesses will be reimbursed up to $7,000 per quarter, up to a maximum of $21,000, per eligible apprentice or trainee.

Minister Cash said the financial support was already flowing with eligible businesses who applied for the funding yesterday receiving the money by close of business.

“We have targeted this financial support to provide rapid and direct assistance to protect jobs and keep businesses, apprentices and trainees connected to the benefits of training already undertaken,” she said.

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, the Hon Steve Irons MP said apprentices and trainees were crucial to our current and future workforce.

“We are committed to supporting both apprentices in training, as well as employers, who have made significant investments in their employees.”

“To keep eligible employers of apprentices or trainees informed they are being contacted by their Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.”

For further information on how to apply for the subsidy, including information on eligibility, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider: www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/search-aasn