Government Funded Training Incentives – Save Up to 50% of wages for your eligible employees

The Australian Government has announced the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy to support employers and Group Training Organisations to take on new apprentices and trainees.

Is my business eligible?

Your business or Group Training Organisation may be eligible if:

• you engage an Australian Apprentice 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.

How much is the subsidy?

• Eligible employers and Group Training Organisations (GTOs) 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 31 March 2022.
• 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.

Anything else I should know?

• The subsidy is available to employers of any size, industry or geographic location.
• The subsidy is not available for 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 30 June 2023.
• The 100,000 cap limit has been removed to provide additional support to employers and GTOs.
• The Australian Apprenticeship Support Network will deliver additional Gateway Service places and enhanced In-Training Support for women interested in, or starting, an apprenticeship in a non-traditional trade occupation.
  • An additional 5,000 Gateway Services places have been made available to women interested in undertaking an apprenticeship in a non-traditional trade occupation.
  • In-Training Support services are guaranteed for women starting in non-traditional trade occupations.

How can I apply or find out more?

For further information on how to apply for the subsidy, including information on eligibility, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.

Disclaimer: This article contains general information only. Regrettably, no responsibility can be accepted for errors, omissions or possible misleading statements or for any action taken as a result of any material in this guide. It is not designed to be a substitute for professional advice, as such a brief guide cannot hope to cover all circumstances and conditions applying to the law as it relates to these items.