A Liberal National Government trial offering regional businesses a wage subsidy to take on new apprentices has begun on the Gold Coast, with new apprentices signing up at 55 local businesses.
The $60 million Australian Apprenticeships Wage Subsidy offers 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
Gold Coast MP Karen Andrews said the trial would help local businesses remain competitive while supporting more people into apprenticeships.
“Helping locals to start an apprenticeship and supporting the businesses that employ them will have benefits for our entire community,” Minister Andrews said
“Starting out in an apprenticeship is the first step towards a rewarding career, and for businesses employing an apprentice, it’s an investment in growing the skills base for the Gold Coast.
“This trial will provide benefits that flow throughout our community; from our new apprentices who have a job and a career path, to local businesses who are helping to grow the number of skilled local workers.”
Local business We Paint Gold Coast is among those to receive support under the Australian Apprenticeships Wage Subsidy.
Owner Trent Delany said it’s expensive to hire and train apprentices and this support will make his business more competitive.
“The subsidy helps me to employ a much needed additional apprentice and grow my business,” he said.
Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education, Senator Michaelia Cash said having local businesses and apprentices involved in the trial is great for the community.
“There are 3.3 million Australian small 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.
“Disappointingly, Bill Shorten and Labor oppose this scheme and the benefits that it will bring to both local apprentices and small businesses in our community.
These apprentice positions will be at risk under a Shorten Labor Government. Their opposition to more local apprentices show that Bill Shorten and Labor are seriously out of touch with rural and regional Australia.”
More information about the Australian Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy trial is available online – https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/publications/australian-apprentice-wage-subsidy
