The Government has introduced a new employer subsidy to assist with the recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 felt by businesses all over the country. The initiative will support all eligible employers and businesses who engage a new Australian Trainee or upskill existing workers, with the aim of encouraging and supporting employees undertaking training to advance and boost their skills.
If you are an eligible employer, you could receive up to $28,000 for twelve months as part of the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy.
Want to learn how it works and if you and your employer are eligible? Read on for more.
How will it work?
The BAC wage subsidy supports businesses and Group Training Organisations to take on new trainees, or upskill existing employees, who undertake a broad selection of courses. This is to help build a pipeline of skilled workers and support sustained economic recovery following the pandemic.
The subsidy will work like this:
- Any business that engages an Australian Apprentice or Trainee between 5 October 2020 and 31 March 2022 may be eligible for a subsidy of 50 per cent of the wages paid to this employee for a 12-month period.
- The 12 month period commences from the start date of training and is paid at a maximum of $7,000 per quarter (up to $28,000 over 12 months).
- There is no limit on the number of eligible apprentices and trainees businesses can employ.
- A new employee can sign into a Traineeship across a very broad range of qualifications without that Traineeship affecting their current pay, conditions or roles and responsibilities.
- This initiative is an excellent way to supplement the wage costs of any new employee.
The federal funding will be delivered by the States, and eligible businesses will have to complete a claim form quarterly, attach the requested pay and training evidence, and payments will be made quarterly in arrears.
Who’s eligible?
A business will be eligible if:
- They commence or recommence an apprentice or trainee between 5 October 2020 and 31 March 2022.
- The apprentice or trainee is completing a Certificate II or higher qualification, and the training contract is approved by the state training authority.
Or,
- An existing employee is undertaking a qualification from the approved list of qualifications available for existing workers, such as our Certificate IV in Work, Health and Safety.
- The employee transitions from casual to part time or full time to undertake the apprenticeship or traineeship, or transitions from part time to full time to undertake the apprenticeship or traineeship.
There are plenty of benefits to this for both employers and employees, including the benefit to employees of an enhanced CV, an important new skill, and the potential for some time off during work to study the training course.
Want to find out more?
The eligibility requirements and course options for the subsidy may vary between the states, so it’s important to confirm with your training provider. Reach out to our friendly team to get more detailed and customised information, plus advice on how the subsidy can work for you. Email us on [email protected].
We are happy to help any way we can and chat with any employers who have questions.
