Thousands of new job opportunities will be created for apprentices and trainees across Cairns and Far North Queensland with the expansion of the targeted wage subsidy program as part of the Morrison Government’s National Economic Recovery Plan.
The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy program is fully subscribed, helping to create 100,000 apprenticeships in less than five months.
The Boosting Apprentices Commencement program has to date assisted almost 40,000 businesses to take on a new Australian apprentice or trainee.
The program will now become demand driven and expanded for a full 12 months for new apprentices and trainees signed up prior to 30 September 2021.
It is estimated that this demand driven expansion will generate around 70,000 new apprentice and trainee places, including in Cairns and Far North Queensland, with the government investing around $1.2 billion.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said that the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy has already supported 659 apprentices and trainees in the Leichhardt.
“By expanding this wage subsidy for another 12 months, we will be helping Cairns and Far North Queensland businesses to create even more jobs,” Mr Entsch said.
“There has never been a better time to sign up an apprentice.”
Federal Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Minister Michaelia Cash said training and skills were at the core of the government’s response to the economic challenges faced by the COVID-19 recession.
“Creating jobs, generating economic opportunities and boosting the skills of workers right across Australia are at the heart of our National Economic Recovery Plan, as we build back from the COVID-19 recession,” Ms Cash said.
“With 100,000 new apprenticeship positions already snapped up, it highlights the confidence businesses have in the future of the Australia economy.
“Growing our skills pipeline is an incredibly important part of helping our economic recovery.”
The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements was one of the COVID-19 skills measures announced as part of the $4 billion in apprentice wage subsidies.
The Morrison Government is providing record levels of support to the vocational education and training sector in 2020-21, which is not only helping rebuild our economy but preparing for the future.
This includes the $1 billion JobTrainer Fund, which is supporting more than 300,000 additional free or low-fee training places for job seekers and young people.
Further information on the support available to eligible businesses and employees is available at www.dese.gov.au/boosting-apprenticeship-commencements
