$1.3 billion support package to keep Apprentices and trainees on the job

March 16, 2020

A $1.3 billion measure to support apprentices and trainees will help businesses and local communities get past the challenges presented by coronavirus, Maranoa MP David Littleproud said.

“We’ve acted quickly to support small businesses retain their apprentices and trainees through the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Littleproud said.

“There’s no doubt that jobs and training present great opportunities for our younger generations and help set up a life in the Bush, making a quid and supporting their community.

“This assistance will support local businesses to manage cash-flow challenges and help small businesses retain their apprentices and trainees.”

The $1.3 billion measure – part of the broader $17.6 billion coronavirus stimulus package – will ensure up to 70,000 small businesses can keep around 117,000 apprentices and trainees across the country in work and training.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said apprentices and trainees are critical to meeting the skills needs of Australian employers.

“We want them to keep learning, keep getting those essential skills that our economy needs to keep business turning over, not just now, but well into the future,” Minister Cash said.

A 50 per cent wage subsidy of up to $21,000 will be available to small businesses which employ fewer than 20 full time employees, including those using a Group Training Organisation, to retain their apprentice or trainee. The subsidy will also be available to businesses of any size and Group Training Organisations that re-engage an eligible apprentice or trainee who would otherwise lose their job.

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, the Hon Steve Irons MP said, that along with our $585 million Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow package, this measure will ensure the Morrison Government continues the heavy lifting of building the skilled workforce our economy needs.

“We know that industry needs more workers with technical, trade and practical skills. We are backing Australians through incentives, funding and reform to ensure that the sector can deliver the skilled and responsive workforce to meet these needs.

The new measure is in addition to existing apprenticeships incentives under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.

Businesses can register to be assessed for eligibility from 2 April 2020. To be eligible for the wage subsidy the apprentice or trainee must have been in-training with a small business as at 1 March 2020.

Further information on how to apply for the subsidy, including information on eligibility is available at:

• The Department of Education, Skills and Employment website dese.gov.au
• Australian Apprenticeships website australianapprenticeships.gov.au
• Your local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider

ENDS