NEW APPRENTICE WAGE SUBSIDY

30 October 2018

The Australian Government will be investing $60 million into a trial wage subsidy as an incentive for employers in regional and rural communities to engage more apprentices.

Under this subsidy, eligible employers within the Orana region will be able to receive payments based on the apprentice's relevant award wage rates. Subsidies will be provided at 75% of the apprentice's award wage in the first year, followed with 50% in the second year and 25% in the third year.

The trial will see up to 1,630 new Australian Apprentices in areas of skills needed. Small business plays a vital role in our community and economy, from giving young people their first real job to supporting our local charities and sporting organisations.

Through this incentive regional and rural businesses can secure the skills they need to remain competitive and give local students new opportunities at home.

From 1 January 2019, the new subsidy under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive Program (AAIP), will support eligible new Australian Apprentices in areas such as plumbing, mechanical, electrical, painting trades and hairdressing.