If your business is in need of additional staff and you are planning to hire a new apprentice/trainee, we have some good news for you! Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements is a new $1.2 billion subsidy scheme, announced by the Federal Government as a part of the COVID-19 economic recovery plan.
This subsidy aims to encourage employers to hire new trainees and apprentices, Australia-wide. This will aid in creating new employment opportunities and add skilled workers to the workforce. This wage subsidy is in addition to the $2.8 billion Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy, which closed to new entrants on 31 March 2021.
Is this subsidy industry-specific?
The new Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements scheme is available to all businesses irrespective of location, size or industry. This means businesses from retail, manufacturing, construction, supply chain, food-processing or any other business category will be able to claim the wage subsidy.
Is my business eligible?
Already hired an apprentice? Don’t worry you may still be eligible!
The eligibility criteria for Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements are as follows:
- you engage an Australian Apprentice or trainee between 5 October 2020 and
31 March 2022; 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.
To check your eligibility, please Get in Touch with our team and they will be able to assist you further.
How much can my business save?
Under the new Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements Scheme, eligible employers and Group Training Organisations can claim up to 50% of the commencing or recommencing apprentice or trainee’s gross wage paid.
The subsidy is available for a maximum of $7,000 per quarter per eligible Australian Apprentice, for wages paid in the 12-month period from the date of commencement or recommencement.
The final date for new entrants into the program is 31 March 2022. Payments will be made quarterly in arrears directly into the recipient’s nominated bank account. Final claims for payment must be lodged by 30 June 2023.
This can make a huge difference to businesses that are in need of additional staff.
How to apply?
When signing up a new Australia Apprentice, the eligible employer should advise of intent to claim using Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements Registration Form. We can help you navigate this government incentive.
Now is the ideal time to hire new trainees or train and retain your employees. If you would like to discuss your unique needs, Get in Touch.
