Wide Bay apprentices join National Wage Subsidy Trial
New apprentices are signing up at 22 Wide Bay businesses, with the Morrison Government offering regional and rural businesses a wage subsidy to take on eligible new staff.
The $60 million Australian Apprenticeships Wage Subsidy has commenced its second release as of the 1 July 2019, offering employers subsidies worth 75 per cent of the apprentice’s award wage in the first year, 50 per cent in the second year, and 25 per cent in the third year.
Businesses in Cooran, Cooroy, Gympie, Maryborough, Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Oakhurst, Owanyilla, Rainbow Beach, Sunrise Beach, Tewantin, Tiaro, Tin Can Bay, Traveston, and Weyba Downs have taken on apprentices as part of the trial.*
Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said having local businesses and apprentices involved in the trial is great for the community.
“There are 3.4 million Australian small and family businesses which contribute around $395 billion annually to our economy. Small business plays a vital role in our community, from giving young Australians their first real job to supporting our local charities and sporting organisations,” Minister Cash said.
“Through this wage subsidy we are securing the skills our regional and rural businesses need to remain competitive and give local students new opportunities at home.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships Steve Irons MP said the Morrison Government is committed to improving the VET sector, and is ensuring that regional Australia reaps the benefits of the $525 million Delivering the Skills for Today and Tomorrow package.
“Disappointingly, Labor have historically opposed this scheme and ignored the benefits that it brings to both local apprentices and small businesses in the community,” Assistant Minister Irons said.
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the trial would help Wide Bay businesses remain competitive while supporting more people into apprenticeships.
“Starting out in an apprenticeship is the first step towards a rewarding career, and it’s an investment in growing the skills base for Wide Bay as well as helping out local businesses,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This trial will provide benefits that flow throughout our entire Wide Bay community and the local economy; from our new apprentices who have a job and a career path, to local businesses who are helping to grow the number of skilled workers in the region.”
More information about the Australian Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy trial is available online – https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/aus-employer-incentives
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* NOTE: If you would like to interview a business or apprentice taking part in your local area, details are available on request.
