Personalise my view
The new completing apprenticeship commencements program - wage support extended for employers of Australian apprentices and trainees
New funding has been announced to support apprenticeship and traineeship retention and completion
On 28 September 2021 the Australian Department of Education, Skills and Employment announced an extension of their popular Boosting Apprenticeships Commencement program.
Here’s what we know.
If you’re an eligible employer in receipt of the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) wage subsidy you will have support extended for the second and third year of a BAC supported apprenticeship through the new Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program.
The Australian Government hopes the extension will give employers additional support to retain apprentices and trainees through to completion.
Under Completing Apprenticeship Commencements, eligible employers will receive a wage subsidy of ten per cent of wages paid to an eligible apprentice or trainee in the second year of their apprenticeship, to a maximum of $1,500 per quarter per apprentice. In the third year, eligible employers will also receive a wage subsidy of five per cent of wages paid to an eligible apprentice or trainee to a maximum of $750 per quarter per apprentice.
The Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program will begin from 5 October 2021.
If you’re a business or a Group Training Organisation you may be eligible if you meet the below:
- you engaged an Australian Apprentice or trainee between 5 October 2020 and 31 March 2022; and
- your Australian Apprentice or trainee is undertaking their second or third year of a Certificate II or higher qualification and has a training contract that is formally approved by the state training authority.
Payments will be made quarterly in arrears into the employer’s nominated bank account. Final claims for payment must be lodged by 30 June 2025.
To take advantage of the wage subsidies eligible employers need to commence their new apprentice or trainee before 31 March 2021. Need help finding an apprentice or trainee? Our free find your apprentice service can help connect you with job-ready candidates in your industry.