Expansion of the targeted wage subsidy program
An extension to the apprenticeship wage subsidy program for another 12 months has been announced.
The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy program is fully subscribed, helping create 100,000 apprenticeships in less than five months.
The Program 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 demand driven expansion will generate around 70,000 new apprentice and trainee places, with the Government investing around $1.2 billion.
Eligibility requirements
A business or Group Training Organisation may be eligible if:
- you engage an Australian Apprentice between 5 October 2020 and 30 September 2021, and
- your Australian Apprentice or trainee is undertaking a Certificate II or higher qualification and has a training contract that is formally approved by the state training authority.
How much is the subsidy?
Eligible employers and Group Training Organisations will receive a wage subsidy of up to 50 per cent of the Australian Apprentice’s gross wage paid.
The subsidy is available for Australian Apprentices commencing or recommencing between 5 October 2020 and 30 September 2021.
The wage subsidy is available for a maximum of $7,000 per quarter, per eligible Australian Apprentice, for wages paid in the 12-month period from date of commencement or recommencement.
Additional information
- The subsidy is available to employers of any size, industry or geographic location.
- The subsidy is not available to any apprentice receiving any other form of Australian Government wage subsidy e.g. Supporting Apprentices and Trainees or JobKeeper.
- Payments will be made quarterly in arrears, with first claims for the subsidy available from 1 January 2021.
- Final claims for payment must be lodged by 31 December 2022.
- The 100,000-cap limit has been removed to provide additional support to employers and Group Training Organisations.
How to apply or find out more
Creating jobs, generating economic opportunities and boosting the skills of workers lies at the heart of Australia’s National Economic Recovery Plan.
For further information on how to apply for the subsidy, including information on eligibility, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.