Commonwealth traineeship wage subsidy program

Commonwealth traineeship wage subsidy program extended

With traineeships in NSW a key part of hiring and training strategies, it is great news that the Australian Government will extend the subsidy of 50% of the wages of apprentices and trainees signed into the scheme from 5 October 2020 up until 30 September 2021 up to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter and backpay eligible employers from 1 January 2021. Other states also can benefit from Commonwealth traineeship wage subsidies.

An Australian Apprenticeship continues to be a great recruitment option for businesses to: 

• Bring new skills into the business to increase your competitiveness 
• Prevent future skills shortages and  safeguard your business 
• Access Government funding, incentives and rebates if eligible 
• Train staff to suit the unique needs of your business 
• Drive a culture of success within your business 

Eligible employers will also be able to claim the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements quarterly payments in arrears at the following effect dates:  

• 1 January 2021, 50% of gross wages paid from 5 October 2020 to 31 December 2020 and up to a maximum of $7,00 
• 1 April 2021, 50% of gross wages paid from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2021 and up to a maximum of $7,000. 

The 100,000 cap on places has also been removed to provide additional support to employers and Group Training Organisations. The BAC requires a training contract formally approved by the relevant State Training Authority. 

State government incentives

The NSW State government also offers incentives for new entrants or existing workers who are enrolled in the Certificate III in Individual Support in the Aged Care or Disability Care sector.  

New entrant trainee incentives

Full-time 

• Commencement incentive due 6 months after the start date of traineeship: $1500 

• Completion incentive due upon successful completion date: $2500 

 Part time 

• Completion incentive only which is due upon successful completion: $1500 

Existing worker trainees

There is no state funding for existing workers in NSW that are signed into traineeships, the course fees will be arranged on a fee for service arrangement with the training provider. However, existing workers may be eligible for federal funding if they are signed into the Certificate III in Individual Support with an occupational outcome of Aged care worker or disability worker and they must fit all other eligibility criteria: 

Full time: 

• Completion incentive only which is due upon successful completion: $3000 

Part time 

• Completion incentive only which is due upon successful completion: $1500 

For a full summary of financial support and incentives, download the Apprenticeship Support Australia incentive fact sheet. 

If you would like to discuss how we can help you with our training solutions, please contact the team at Selmar.